MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


“beware  of  false  prophets,  which  come 

TO  YOU  IN  SHEEP’S  CLOTHING,  BUT  INWARDLY 
THEY  ARE  RJEVENING  WOLVES.” 

^ SL  Matt.  vii.  is> 


BY 


ABSALOM  D.  SHABAZ,  Oriental  Messenger, 

Oroomiah,  Persia. 


PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BY 

WINDSOR  & KE^NFmDD  PUBLISHING  CO,, 


324  Dearborn  Street, 
Chicago. 

1900. 


/ 


(vvn 


PREFACE. 

In  March,  1890,  although  young  in  Christian  expe- 
rience, I began  my  work  to  deliver  God’s  message  to 
the  Mohammedans  of  Persia. 

The  field  is  great.  The  workers  are  few.  It  is  my 
earnest  prayer  that  all  Christian  brethren  may  unite 
together  in  prayer  to  bring  the  lost  ones  into  the  flock 
of  Jesus.  Mohammedanism  is  a great  foe  against 
Christian  work.  The  foundation  of  our  rock  is  love ; 
and  by  this  love  we  must  bring  the  lost  ones  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  Gospel. 

A.  D.  SHABAZ. 

Chicago,  March,  1900. 


703412 


CONTENTS. 

I.  Short  Sketch  of  Life. 

II.  Ancient  Media  and  Persia. 

III.  Mohammed  and  Koran. 

IV.  Chiefs  in  Battle — Division  of  Tribes. 

V.  Principalities  of  Koran. 

VI.  Government  Rules. 

VII.  Life  in  General. 

VIII.  Social  Duties. 

IX.  Questions  and  Answers. 

X.  A New  Commandment. 


Mohammed,  The  Last  Prophet. 


CHAPTER  I. 


SHORT  SKETCPI  OF  LIFE. 

I am  a Syrian  by  birth,  native  of  Persia,  from  the 
district  of  Aderbajan,  city  of  Oroomiah.  I was  born 
July  15th,  1874.  I spent  my  early  life  at  home,  under 
the  care  of  my  parents  and  two  Christian  grandmoth- 
ers. I had  my  education  in  the  colleges  of  the  Presby- 
terians and  Episcopalians. 

In  the  eighteenth  year  of  my  age  I received  Christ 
as  my  Saviour.  Thereafter  I fought  against  my  will 
to  do  what  would  please  God  and  man.  Often  the 
words  of  Solomon  rang  in  my  ears : 

‘'Remember  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,’’ 
but  it  was  hard  for  me  to  depart  from  evil  friendship. 
On  the  other  hand,  I was  anxious  to  make  a man  of 
myself  and  to  lead  a better  life.  After  great  struggle 
and  labor,  I put  my  trust  in  God  in  prayer,  asking  him 
to  give  me  a pure  heart,  and  help  me  to  lead  a new 
life,  and  help  me  to  be  a true  man,  for  the  sake  of  my 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ.  I desired  to  enlarge  the  multi- 
tude of  his  servants,  and  bring  souls  into  His  kingdom 
of  glory. 

I took  this  new  Master  for  the  rest  of  my  life.  He 
called  me  not  only  servant,  but  friend,  brother,  part- 


6 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


ner — to  share  with  all  He  had,  and  dwell  with  Him  in 
the  beautiful  mansions  of  our  Father.  He  called  me 
brother,  and  gave  His  own  life  to  save  me  from  cruel 
hands  of  enemies.  I shed  tears  for  my  brother  who 
was  killed  for  you  and  me ; but  he  kissed  me,  and  said, 
‘'I  died  for  you ; give  me  thy  heart,  and  do  my  will ; 
will  you  do  it,  my  friend  I promised  to  do  His  will ; 
then  He  asked  me  to  take  care  of  His  sheep  and  lambs. 

Before  I started  on  my  mission,  I struggled  hard 
until  I found  peace  and  was  willing  to  be  a witness  for 
His  name.  I told  my  parents  and  friends  that  I was 
going  to  leave  and  do  my  Brother’s  will.  They  did  not 
understand  me;  nor  would  they  listen  to  me.  I told 
them  I would  serve  my  new  Master,  and  do  what  He 
wanted  me  to  do.  Then  I gave  my  time  to  study  of 
the  Koran  and  other  religious  books  of  the  Persians. 
I knew  fairly  well  the  country  and  the  ways  of  the 
natives.  I could  speak  their  language  pretty  well.  It 
was  my  earnest  desire  to  work  for  the  Mohammedans, 
and  bring  them  into  the  light  of  the  Gospel.  I was 
sure  many  would  leave  their  idle  hopes  and  obey 
Christ  if  they  only  had  the  privilege  of  hearing  the 
Word  of  Life.  I also  knew  that  many  were  anxious 
to  receive  Christ  as  their  Saviour,  and  I believed  many 
souls  could  be  saved  if  only  they  could  hear  the  voice 
of  the  Almighty.  I was  certain  too  that  a great  many 
would  stand  against  my  work,  and  that  I would  meet 
hard  times,  storms,  hunger,  wild  animals,  wicked 
people,  and  many  troubles ; but  I said  that  only  the 
end  of  my  life  would  keep  me  from  going.  I heard 
many  speak  against  me.  Numbers  of  them  tried  to 
win  my  heart,  but  in  vain.  There  were  few  to  sym- 
pathize with  me  on  my  dangerous  undertaking.  There 
were  none  to  comfort  me,  but  the  words  of  the  Father, 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET.  7 

“I  will  never  leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee,’'  gave  me 
sufficient  strength  and  power. 

I tried  my  best  to  comfort  my  parents  and  friends 
in  the  last  few  days  of  my  stay  at  home.  At  last  the 
hour  came  when  I must  say  good-by.  We  felt  that 
we  might  never  meet  again.  They  mourned  for  their 
only  son.  The  tears  were  rolling  down  their  cheeks. 
My  silver-haired  grandmother  was  kneeling  on  the 
ground,  with  her  arms  toward  heaven,  crying  for  help. 
I closed  my  eyes,  so  as  not  to  see  beloved  friends,  but 
my  heart  shook  with  sadness ; a garment  of  sorrow 
covered  my  soul.  Yet  the  words  of  my  Father  rang 
again  in  my  ears,  and  I set  myself  out  for  the  work 
which  I had  undertaken. 

Reaching  the  caravan,  I found  all  the  travelers  were 
Mohammedans  except  myself.  There  were  about  fifty 
in  number.  Some  had  horses,  camels  and  mules. 
There  was  music,  singing  and  shouting.  A mile  ahead 
could  be  heard  the  noise  of  the  great  bells  ringing, 
which  were  hanging  on  the  necks  of  our  animals.  In 
the  evening  every  man  smoked  his  opium,  and  acted 
according  to  their  custom.  I sat  still,  deep  in  thought, 
trying  to  decide  what  it  was  my  duty  to  do  for  such 
people.  I knew  it  was  dangerous  for  me  to  speak  of 
the  Christian  religion.  A few  days  passed  by  in  this 
way.  One  evening  I knelt  down  with  a broken  heart 
and  prayed  to  God  to  give  me  strength  and  guidance 
to  win  these  poor  souls  for  Christ.  On  the  following 
day,  with  a trembling  heart,  I spoke  to  one  of  the  men. 
He  did  not  get  angry,  although  he  was  not  interested 
in  my  conversation.  Again  and  again  I prayed  for 
Divine  help : 

'‘Lord,  Thou  knowest  these  people  do  not  follow 
Thee.  Thou  knowest  they  have  never  heard  the  sweet 


8 MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 

name  of  Jesus.  Also  Thoiuknowest  it  is  my  earnest 
desire  to  bring  them  into  the  knowledge  of  thy  truth. 
Father,  give  me  Thy  power  that  I may  not  fear  him 
who  killeth  the  body/’ 

After  a time  I spoke  to  several  of  the  party.  Nearly 
all  knew  now  what  it  was  in  my  heart  to  do.  Many 
times  they  came  and  asked  me  questions  on  the  Chris- 
tian religion.  I spoke  to  them  the  truth  as  I had 
learned  it  from  the  Scriptures.  Sometimes  they  did 
not  like  my  speech,  and  with  knives  in  their  hands 
they  rushed  toward  me  to  take  my  life.  I spoke  fear- 
lessly and  gently,  and  tried  to  win  their  rough  hearts, 
until  some  one  from  their  number  would  tell  them 
that  I was  not  deserving  of  such  punishment.  Then 
one  by  one  they  would  walk  aside,  and  I was  rescued 
from  what  seemed  certain  death.  I told  them  I was 
not  afraid  of  death,  because  I knew  I would  be  saved, 
but  that  they  would  have  to  answer  if  they  shed  my 
innocent  blood.  Although  some  of  them  seemed  to 
be  friendly,  yet  I knew  my  life  was  not  safe  in  their 
hands.  I cast  the  seed  of  righteousness  in  their  hearts, 
but  my  talks  seemed  to  harden  my  companions  against 
me.  Whenever  we  passed  a rocky  place,  they  wanted 
to  throw  me  down ; often  as  we  crossed  rivers  they 
tried  to  throw  me  in  the  water,  but  somehow  I escaped 
safely  from  their  hands. 

The  people  in  the  interior  were  innocent,  but  cruel. 
They  had  never  had  any  kind  of  education.  Very  few 
knew  anything  about  God.  They  lived  among  the 
rocky  mountains  of  Persia.  Their  houses  were  under 
ground — men,  women  and  cattle  living  in  the  same 
dug-out.  They  ate  and  slept  under  the  same  roof. 
There  was  no  comfort  or  peace,  but  everywhere  was 
sin  and  misery.  Human  beings  seemed  like  wild  beasts. 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


9 


They  were  ready  to  kill  for  very  little.  We  spent 
nights  in  their  homes — sheep,  horses,  oxen  and  men 
all  sleeping  in  one  circle.  I visited  families  and  groups 
of  people,  and  had  a good  opportunity  to  do  my  work. 
There  was  not  so  much  danger  for  me,  as  people  knew 
nothing  much  of  religion.  My  talk  seemed  strange  to 
them  at  first,  but  they  soon  understood  me,  and  I 
taught  them  the  right  way.  Many  were  pleased  to 
hear  me  speak  the  name  of  God.  Some  listened  to 
me  and  obeyed  God.  A good  many  promised  not  to 
steal  or  kill,  but  to  be  true  and  honest.  They  felt  sorry 
when  I left,  and  asked  me  to  pray  for  them,  that  God 
would  forgive  them.  I felt  happy  and  satisfied  be- 
cause I had  tried  to  sow  good  seed;  and  I departed 
with  rejoicing  in  my  soul,  and  more  spirit  and  hope  to 
continue  my  work  further  on. 

As  we  drew  near  large  towns,  my  companions 
seemed  gentle  and  sociable,  but  when  we  were  out  in 
the  country  they  were  rough  and  acted  cruelly  toward 
me.  At  Salmas,  Tabses,  Zangan  and  Kasben,  prin- 
cipal cities  of  the  district,  I met  a few  missionaries 
doing  the  same  work  as  myself.  Progress  must  be 
slow,  for  it  is  more  difficult  to  meet  with  success  in 
large  towns.  In  these  cities  there  is  a good  oppor- 
tunity to  work  for  the  Syrians  and  Armenians.  The 
leaders  of  the  Mohammedans  are  strongly  opposed 
to  Christian  work,  and  will  not  allow  any  one  to  preach 
the  Gospel  in  public,  nor  even  in  private,  if  it  becomes 
known  to  them.  Through  all  the  district  I met  very 
few  who  confessed  Christ  as  their  Saviour. 

At  length  we  came  to  Teheran,  the  capital  of 
Persia,  where  I departed  from  my  companions,  and 
secured  a place  to  do  my  work  in  that  great  city.  I 
remained  there  nearly  two  years,  and  had  good  success 


10 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


in  my  work.  I found  very  many  of  the  Armenians,  as 
well  as  the  Mohammedans,  who  were  friendly.  Quite 
a number  of  young  men  were  led  to  believe  in  God. 
The  Mohammedans  often  attempted  to  break  up  our 
meetings,  yet  we  lived  happy  lives  together.  In  our 
prayer  meetings  we  felt  a spirit  of  happiness  in  our 
souls,  even  though  we  were  in  danger  of  troubles. 

In  that  city  I met  Fakr  Leslani  (the  crown  of  Mo- 
hammedanism), v/hom  they  call  second  Mohammed, 
and  who  is  the  greatest  foe  to  Christianity  that  has 
come  in  these  last  centuries.  I saw  the  book  which 
he  has  written  against  the  Bible,  and  found  it  diffi- 
cult to  answer  his  objections  to  Christianity.  He  is 
endeavoring  to  stop  all  Bible  work  for  his  nation.  I 
was  interested  in  him  because  he  was  of  my  relatives. 
He,  however,  accepted  Mohammedanism  when  he  was 
a child,  and  has  since  worked  faithfully  for  the  ad- 
vancement of  that  religion.  We  often  talked  together, 
and  I told  him  openly  that  he  was  in  danger  of  the 
everlasting  fire.  Once  he  asked  me  if  Christ  would 
forgive  him  if  he  turned  in  his  last  days.  I said  it 
might  be  too  late — why  not  now?  You  know  you  are 
doing  wrong;  but  it  was  hard  for  him  to  accept  the 
Way  of  Life.  I am  hoping  yet  that  God  may  break 
his  will  and  bring  him  under  the  Cross  of  Jesus.  He 
is  strong  in  his  work  against  Christianity,  and  I am 
sure  if  he  becomes  changed  he  will  be  strong  for 
Christ.  Through  his  influence  I was  made  acquainted 
with  many  priests  and  royal  members.  Wherever  I 
visited  I tried  to  win  their  hearts.  I told  them  it  was 
my  duty  to  speak  the  truth,  and  I knew  I was  doing 
right,  and  asked  them  why  they  were  not  doing  right. 
This  they  did  not  like,  but  they  showed  little  uneasi- 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


11 


ness.  If  they  believed,  they  were  afraid  to  deny  their 
untrue  prophet. 

One  day  several  of  the  priests  and  myself  were  in 
the  same  carriage  going  out  of  the  city.  At  the  end 
of  the  journey  the  priest  nearest  to  me  was  angry  and 
unpleasant.  I asked  him  what  was  the  matter,  and  he 
told  me  it  was  because  my  clothes  touched  his ; that 
his  prayers  would  not  be  answered  because  I was  a 
Christian  and  made  him  unclean.  I tried  my  best  to 
turn  their  views,  and  they  tried  just  as  hard  to  get  me 
to  change  mine  and  to  believe  in  Mohammed.  I told 
them  I could  not  trust  in  my  enemy.  Thereafter  I 
gave  up  the  priest  business,  because  it  was  too  hard 
on  me,  and  I could  not  make  their  dull  hearts  turn  to 
the  Christian  life. 

On  this  same  day  the  Shah  of  Persia  was  shot  on  his 
way  to  Shah  Abdelazem  (great  in  Kings).  The  mur- 
derer was  found  and  punished  according  to  the  Per- 
sian law,  by  having  his  hands  put  in  iron  cages,  and 
his  body  cut  so  badly  that  he  died  in  a few  days,  after 
most  horrible  suffering.  While  in  the  city  I visited 
many  national  places.  The  natives  thought  I was  one 
of  them,  and  this  gave  me  opportunity  to  know  about 
national  worship  and  native  life,  which  I have  de- 
scribed fully  farther  in  the  book.  I learned  all  about 
the  law  and  government,  and  social  and  home  life.  I 
also  gave  attention  to  their  schools  and  educational 
institutions,  and  this  helped  me  in  my  work. 

I left  Teheran  June  23,  1894,  for  the  district  of 
Koasestan.  It  was  so  exceedingly  hot  that  we  rested 
in  the  open  hills,  beside  the  springs  of  water,  which 
give  pleasure  to  the  stranger,  drink  to  the  cattle  and 
birds  and  life  to  the  natives , but  above  all,  which 
taught  me  to  remember  the  Creator  of  all  nature. 


12  MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 

Amid  these  beautiful  surroundings  my  troubles  began 
to  continue.  In  the  daytime  was  weariness  and  cruel 
companions ; at  night  time,  I was  filled  with  fears,  and 
struggled  for  peace  and  safety ; but  I gave  my  life  in 
the  hands  of  Jesus,  and  was  willing  to  die  if  it  was  His 
will,  or  to  live  that  He  might  use  me  for  His  work. 
Therefore  I kept  on  just  as  before.  Wherever  I met 
natives  I spoke  to  them  cheerful  words  of  the  Gospel. 
If  I met  an  educated  man,  I gave  him  a copy  of  the 
New  Testament.  During  six  months  I did  my  work 
happily  and  carefully  in  each  town  or  village  that  we 
passed. 

The  journey  gave  me  experience  and  knowledge 
and  opportunity  to  learn  more  of  the  country  and  peo- 
ple. After  visiting  many  places  that  I desired  to  see, 
I returned  again  to  visit  Adarbajan.  The  ground  was 
now  covered  with  snow.  Instead  of  grass  and  flowers 
there  was  only  to  be  seen  leafless  and  bare  4:rees.  All 
the  pleasures  and  sights  of  summer  days  had  passed 
by — sunshine,  songsters,  beautiful  fruits  and  herbs — 
instead  of  a sunny  day,  there  were  now  the  winds  and 
cold  of  winter.  The  frosty  stillness  of  the  winter  day 
gave  us  fear  as  we  drew  near  the  cold  rocks  and  snowy 
mountains.  Far  as  we  could  see  in  the  distance  there 
were  pleasant  days,  and  groups  of  natives  and  pleasant 
caravans  of  passengers  were  seen  passing.  But  we 
were  high  in  the  snow  mountains.  Our  party  was 
composed  of  six  men  who  had  their  horses  to  help  us 
through  the  snow.  Two  men  and  myself  stopped  at 
a small  hotel  near  by  for  refreshments ; others  took 
care  of  our  animals,  and  moved  on  slowly.  After  about 
an  hour  we  marched  to  catch  our  caravan,  which  was 
behind  a hill  and  out  of  sight,  although  we  could  hear 
the  bells  ringing.  Alas,  in  a few  minutes  a snow  storm 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


13 


swept  over  the  road.  We  kept  as  close  together  as  we 
could  in  order  to  keep  in  the  right  direction,  but  could 
not  do  so.  We  tried  as  best  we  could  to  find  our  way, 
crying  for  help,  but  there  were  none  to  hear  us.  We 
made  up  our  minds  to  keep  together.  Wet  and  cold 
and  tired,  we  walked  as  fast  as  we  could  over  the  hills 
and  through  valleys.  We  were  not  only  suffering 
from  the  cold,  but  it  was  so  dark  and  misty  that  we 
were  unable  to  see  but  a few  yards  ahead  of  us. 

We  struggled  for  many  hours,  till  at  last  there  was 
no  strength  left  in  our  feet,  and  I could  not  go  further. 
I told  my  companions  to  keep  on  going  till  they  found 
a village  or  inn,  then  send  after  me ; otherwise,  I would 
die  there,  and  they  somewhere  else.  I tried  my  best  to 
keep  myself  warm  in  the  snow,  but  it  did  not  seem 
possible  to  take  any  comfort.  After  I had  suffered 
thus  for  five  or  six  hours,  I began  to  feel  chill  and  dry, 
and  almost  lost  hope  of  life ; even  my  lips  were  frozen, 
and  I was  unable  to  speak  a word.  In  my  heart,  how- 
ever, I continued  to  pray: 

''God  be  merciful  to  me  a sinner.  Save  my  life  to 
labor  in  thy  field ; not  because  I wish  to  live  for  myself, 
but  that  I may  bring  those  poor  souls  into  thy  king- 
dom. Father,  thy  will  be  done,  not  mine.’’ 

Again  and  again  I comforted  my  heart  in  saying 
my  prayer.  At  last  I heard  footsteps  and  men  talking ; 
but  I had  no  strength  to  cry  for  help.  They,  however, 
came  near  enough  to  see  me  in  my  living  grave,  and 
pulled  me  up  and  tied  me  on  a horse  and  carried  me  to 
their  home.  I was  not  able  to  speak,  eat  nor  walk 
for  several  days.  They  frequently  offered  me  opium 
to  smoke,  but  I refused,  as  I had  not  smoked  for  two 
years  before  that  time ; and  my  life  and  soul  had  not 
been  saved  to  be  its  slave.  They  told  me  it  was  the 


14 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


best  cure  for  a cold,  and  that  if  I did  not  smoke  I 
would  die,  but  I told  them  I knew  what  it  was,  as  I 
had  experience  with  it  before ; and  even  if  I did  die,  I 
would  not  use  it  again.  As  they  did  not  believe  in 
doctors,  there  was  none  to  attend  me.  But  God  helped 
me,  and  in  a few  weeks  I could  eat  and  talk  and  go 
’round  just  as  good  as  any  of  them.  I remained  with 
these  people  until  I felt  real  strong  again. 

I have  never  heard  from  our  missing  friends  and 
their  animals,  and  do  not  know  whether  they  are  dead 
or  alive.  We  could  get  no  horses  in  the  village,  but 
had  to  walk  all  the  way  to  a larger  town  to  look  for 
friends.  The  next  day  we  walked  from  morning  till 
night,  and  I nearly  lost  all  my  strength ; my  feet  were 
especially  tender  and  sore.  On  the  following  day  we 
sent  one  of  our  companions  to  bring  horses  while  we 
remained,  but  he  never  came  back,  although  we  waited 
for  him  for  several  days.  From  that  time  till  to-day 
I have  never  trusted  Mohammedans.  They  will  say  one 
thing  while  with  you,  and  soon  after  will  do  what  they 
please.  Two  of  us  were  left  alone  among  strangers. 
They  did  not  know  that  I was  a Christian,  and  never 
asked  me  who  I was,  or  what  my  business  was ; other- 
wise, had  they  known  me,  they  would  have  left  me 
outside  the  house  in  the  cold  and  snow,  or  would  have 
killed  me  because  I ate  and  drank  from  their  dishes. 
Because  of  the  deceit  of  our  companion  we  had  to  walk 
to  the  nearest  town  for  horses.  We  walked  from  early 
morning  till  evening,  and  it  did  not  seem  as  if  we 
were  near  any  village.  Because  of  hunger  and  cold 
we  quickened  our  speed  in  order  to  find  a place  to 
stay  over  night.  We  ran,  but  saw  only  ourselves  pass- 
ing narrow  turnings  of  rocks  and  deep  snow.  My 
friend  became  so  weary  that  he  sat  down  and  would 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


15 


not  let  me  go  any  further.  He  could  not  speak  at  all, 
but  I could  see  tears  rolling  from  his  eyes.  I knew  he 
was  crying  because  he  did  not  want  to  be  left  alone  to 
be  food  for  wild  animals.  His  hands  fell  life- 
less beside  his  body,  and  he  stretched  himself  on 
the  frosty  snow,  and  with  a heavy  sigh  he  went  into 
eternity.  I gave  another  sad  look  at  the  man  who 
had  died  in  front  of  my  eyes,  and  it  gave  me  deep 
regret  that  his  soul  had  gone  and  he  had  not  known 
the  salvation  of  God,  and  his  soul  was  to  live  in  the 
lake  of  fire  with  satan  and  his  angels. 

I left  the  lifeless  body  in  order  to  save  my  life,  if 
possible.  It  did  not  seem  to  me  that  there  was  any 
feeling  in  my  feet;  even  on  my  eyelashes  there  were 
chunks  of  ice.  I ran  up  and  down  the  hills  till  I could 
feel  the  blood  moving  in  my  body.  As  I was  turning 
a narrow  corner  I saw  two  wolves,  one  on  each  side  of 
the  road.  A sudden  fear  shook  my  heart;  a mist  of 
darkness  covered  my  sight ; my  hair  almost  stood 
straight  from  fear ; I shouted  and  screamed,  but  they 
looked  at  me  eagerly.  There  seemed  no  hope  for  me 
in  such  a winter  night.  I opened  my  heart  to  Divine 
Assistance  to  save  my  body  from  the  wild  beasts. 
They  stood  still  and  looked  at  me,  as  much  as  to  say, 
''There  is  no  need  for  you  to  cry.  We  will  do  what 
we  please.’’  Suddenly  one  jumped  to  the  other  side. 
I at  once  crossed  the  road  and  ran  to  the  hill.  They 
accompanied  me,  throwing  snow  in  my  face.  Some- 
times they  were  in  front  of  me ; then  they  would  fall 
behind,  only  to  run  for  me  again.  I almost  lost  my 
life ; but  the  Lord  who  saved  Daniel  from  the  lions 
saved  me  from  the  wolves.  Through  His  mercy  they 
did  not  touch  me,  although  they  came  so  near  that 
they  almost  jumped  on  me.  They  seemed  to  be  whet- 


16 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


ting  their  appetites.  After  some  time  in  this  perilous 
condition,  I ran  until  I saw  a light  from  a window  a 
few  yards  ahead  of  me ; but  it  seemed  so  far  in  the 
dark  night  of  fear.  When  I reached  the  house  a man 
opened  the  door,  and  I entered  filled  with  joy  and 
fear,  and  fell  in  a dead  faint  and  was  unconscious  until 
the  next  morning.  When  I recovered  consciousness, 
they  asked  me  about  my  friend,  for  they  said  I had 
talked  about  him  all  night.  A little  later  in  the  day 
another  traveler  brought  my  friend,  dead.  They  buried 
him  according  to  their  law.  Following  this,  I had  days 
of  pain.  My  heavy  traveling  boots  had  steamed  and 
half  cooked  my  feet.  My  face  and  hands  were  pealing. 
After  three  days,  they  took  me  to  the  village  inn — 
their  home  for  rest.  Now  I had  another  three  days' 
journey  to  the  large  town,  and  they  sent  a man  to 
take  care  of  me,  and  a horse  upon  which  I could  ride. 
My  flesh  was  too  tender  to  stand  the  cold  and  wind, 
which  was  made  the  greater  by  riding,  so  I had  to 
walk  all  the  way.  The  sun  shone  so  brightly  on  the 
snow  that  my  eyes  became  weaker  and  weaker,  hour 
after  hour,  till  I could  see  but  darkness.  I suft'ered 
with  pain  and  blindness  for  a few  days.  I knew  my 
friends  only  by  their  voices.  Now  I had  good  oppor- 
tunity for  doctors,  and  was  glad  to  stay  with  my 
Syrian  friends  in  order  that  I might  receive  a doctor's 
treatment.  When  I recovered,  I departed  for  my  own 
home.  My  parents  hardly  knew  me  because  of  the 
hardships  which  I had  endured  during  the  past  three 
years.  The  love  of  dear  ones  and  the  comforts  of 
home  gave  me  natural  health  and  strength  within  a 
short  time,  and  I almost  forgot  the  troubles  through 
which  I had  passed. 

Then  my  friends  came  to  me,  saying  that  if  I had 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


17 


obeyed  them,  I would  not  have  seen  all  the  troubles 
that  I had  endured  during  the  past  three  years.  ^They 
had  heard  that  I was  dead  long  ago.  I told  them  I 
would  do  the  same  thing  again ; that  to  obey  God  was 
better  than  to  please  man,  and  that  I had  heard  God’s 
call,  and  wherever  I was — at  home,  among  savages,  or 
abroad — I would  do  what  my  Master  wanted  me  to 
do  through  all  my  life.  I could  not  serve  the  world 
and  God,  but  must  be  on  one  side.  I had  tested  the 
world’s  life,  and  found  it  did  not  suit  very  well.  God’s 
path  of  righteousness  is  to  carry  my  cross  on  my  back  ; 
hardships  and  troubles  may  come  at  any  time,  but  I 
will  walk  in  the  narrow  way,  although  I may  have 
steep  hills  to  pass.  I will  also  remember  that  no  flesh 
and  blood  can  enter  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven ; and  if 
any  one  loves  the  heavenly  kingdom  more  than  this 
earth,  he  must  deny  all,  and  confess  Christ  to  his 
fellowmen.  I told  them  I would  follow  the  right  way, 
and  invited  them  all  to  accompany  me.  If  they  would 
not  do  so,  I said  I would  close  my  ears  and  would 
not  hear  their  call  to  me  to  return  unto  the  world.  I 
knew  I was  doing  right.  My  message  to  the  world 
was  to  obey  God  and  follow  in  His  footsteps.  I re- 
mained in  the  world  to  do  good ; otherwise  I was  a 
fruitless  tree,  and  ought  to  be  cut  down  and  not  waste 
good  ground,  but  allow  a useful  tree  to  be  planted  in 
my  stead.  Whenever  I hear  that  my  fellowmen  are  in 
need  or  trouble,  I must  show  my  Christian  love  to 
them ; if  I do  not,  my  love  is  dead,  and  my  heart  is 
dull,  my  ears  are  heavy,  and  my  whole  system  is  good 
for  nothing — above  all,  my  soul  is  lost. 

The  sad  news  which  now  had  come  from  Armenia 
and  Turkey  gave  me  a sad  heart.  I heard  of  60,000 
Armenians  killed  by  Turks — men,  women  and  chil- 


18 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


dren — some  of  them  looking  while  their  loved  ones 
were  shot  and  slain  in  front  of  their  eyes  ; brave-hearted 
men  had  shed  their  last  drop  of  blood  to  save  their  aged 
parents ; wives  and  little  ones  had  been  separated  by 
the  cruel  sword  of  ungodly  Mohammedans,  and  there 
was  none  to  hear  the  pitiful  cries  of  the  friendless 
creatures  who  were  dying,  while  the  women  and  girls 
were  saved  to  be  slaves  to  sin  and  wickedness.  Some 
were  pulled  out  from  houses  of  worship  and  killed  in 
the  streets ; some  who  had  left  their  homes  and  families 
to  save  their  own  lives  were  brought  out  and  met  the 
same  death.  Armed  soldiers  marched  through  the 
streets  with  guns  and  swords  in  their  hands  to  stab 
and  shoot  any  that  tried  to  escape  with  their  lives. 
Houses  were  set  on  fire,  and  death  and  destruction 
were  on  every  side.  No  one  could  write  of  the  woe  of 
broken-hearted  families ; the  cruelty  and  shame  were 
more  than  one  could  write  on  paper;  sight  of  it  only 
could  tell  all  the  mournful  feelings  of  the  dying  peo- 
ple. We  can  know  something  of  their  troubles  from 
those  who  are  refuged  in  our  own  country — orphans, 
homeless  and  strangers,  almost  unable  to  keep  body 
and  soul  together.  Only  a mother  who  has  dear  ones 
in  a strange  country  can  have  full  sympathy  for  these 
strangers. 

When  the  Persians  heard  that  there  was  no  punish- 
ment for  the  Turks,  they  tried  to  do  the  same  things, 
and  to  kill  some  of  the  people  at  Aderbajan.  Awful 
actions  came  before  our  notice.  The  Persians  grew 
in  power  and  cruelty  more  and  more.  One  day  a band 
of  armed  men  in  the  city  of  Oroomiah  drew  near  a 
Syrian  merchant,  with  open  knives  in  their  hands, 
pulled  the  young  man  from  his  house,  tied  a rope 
around  his  feet,  and  drew  him  from  street  to  street. 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


19 


his  head  banging  from  stone  to  stone  on  the  hard 
pavement,  while  he  was  bleeding  and  crying;  still  the 
rough-hearted  men  kept  pulling  the  rope,  till  the  poor 
man  was  killed  in  the  street.  The  dead  body  was 
thrown  outside  the  city,  where  it  lay  for  several  days 
in  the  dirt  and  water,  because  no  one  dared  to  take 
charge  of  it.  At  last  the  broken-hearted  wife  and 
mother  buried  the  body  of  him  whom  they  loved  so 
well.  Akajan  Kan  was  slain  because  he  witnessed  the 
love  of  Jesus  to  his  fellowmen.  He  was  a brave  sol- 
dier for  his  Master,  and  during  the  last  hour  of  his  life 
he  lifted  his  eyes  toward  heaven  for  a welcome  to  come 
and  rest  with  Jesus  forever  more,  where  there  would 
be  no  tears  and  sorrows  through  all  eternity;  but  he 
would  receive  a golden  crown  which  would  be  spark- 
ling with  glory,  and  would  wear  the  white  robes  of  the 
angels,  and  sing  the  sweet  songs  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  golden  streets  of  the  new  Jerusalem. 

Dear  reader,  why  not  you  be  a witness  for  Jesus? 
Remember  Solomon’s  words,  saying,  ^Xife  is  like 
the  span,  alive  to-day,  but  might  be  dead  to-morrow.” 
Then  you  and  I must  hear  the  voice  of  the  Almighty 
in  the  day  of  judgment.  Alas,  if  we  are  light  in  the 
scales  of  righteousness,  then  shall  we  cry  for  the 
mountains  to  fall  on  us,  and  the  earth  to  open  her 
mouth  to  swallow  us  up,  that  we  may  not  see  the  face 
of  Him  who  sits  upon  the  throne  of  glory,  to  judge 
every  man  according  to  his  acts  in  the  world.  There 
will  not  be  any  hope  then,  but  we  shall  have  to  be 
thrown  into  the  lake  of  fire  and  be  punished  for  our 
wickedness,  and  dwell  with  satan  and  his  black  angels. 
Why  not  leave  our  wicked  ways  and  deny  ourselves 
while  on  earth?  We  need  also  to  remember  that  we 
are  strangers  on  the  earth,  and  that  heaven  should 


20 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


be  our  home.  Let  us  obey  God  and  keep  His  com- 
mandments, then  shall  we  see  Him  face  to  face. 

The  sudden  death  of  a nobleman  gave  fear  to  all 
Christian  citizens  and  in  the  city  only  a few  Christians 
were  to  be  seen  on  the  streets ; the  rest  kept  in  their 
houses.  Inasmuch  as  there  was  no  punishment  for 
the  murderers,  the  Mohammedans  found  more  power, 
and  did  what  they  pleased  with  the  helpless  Christians. 
Soon  after  another  band  of  armed  men  marched  to 
take  a young  man  who  had  turned  from  Mohamme- 
danism to  Christianity.  They  took  him  from  place  to 
place.  The  foreign  missionaries  tried  to  save  him,  but 
it  was  in  vain.  In  the  last  day  of  his  life,  he  stood  in 
a crowd  and  said : 

‘T  do  not  believe  in  Mohammed,  but  in  Christ.  He 
is  my  Saviour,  therefore  I am  not  afraid  of  death,  nor 
of  all  who  are  against  me.  I will  suffer  in  a few  min- 
utes from  your  hands,  but  will  live  with  God  forever.’' 

Soldiers  dressed  in  red  took  him  outside  and  cut  his 
neck  for  the  sake  of  righteousness. 

On  a bright  summer  day  twelve  ministers  and  bish- 
ops were  returning  from  their  visit  to  Mar  Shamon 
(the  bishop  of  Aderbajan),  between  Persian  and  Turk- 
ish borders,  when  Kurds  fell  upon  them  and  cut  them 
in  pieces,  and  they  were  left  in  the  mountains  for  sev- 
eral days,  no  one  knowing  of  the  action.  At  length 
some  passengers  saw  them  and  sent  word  toOroomiah. 
It  was  a dreadful  sight  that  they  saw ; mothers  and 
wives  were  unable  to  recognize  their  sons  and  hus- 
bands ; the  sorrow  was  more  than  my  pen  can  describe. 
From  north,  south,  east  and  west  could  be  heard  pitiful 
cries  of  those  who  had  lost  dear  ones ; but  the  Moham- 
medans shook  their  spears  eagerly  against  all  who 
would  not  worship  their  heart’s  image,  striving  to 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


21 


overrule  all  races  and  nations  who  do  not  follow  their 
prophet. 

Amidst  these  dreadful  fears,  I left  my  home  for 
Russia  and  Europe,  to  study  and  learn  more  in  order 
that  I might  prepare  myself  for  my  work,  which  I had 
promised  to  do  the  rest  of  my  life.  On  my  way 
through  Kordistan  and  Aderbajan,  I met  groups  of 
homeless  Armenians  who  had  left  Turkey  to  save  their 
lives ; their  friends  had  been  shot  and  killed,  or  were 
left  in  prison,  or  else  had  been  unable  to  cross  the 
border  into  other  countries.  I also  saw  hungry  and 
naked  Nestorians  leaving  their  homes  in  groups. 

I quote  the  following  from  a leaflet  by  Rev.  W.  A. 
Shedd : 

'‘Within  six  months,  from  5,000  to  10,000  Christian 
subjects  of  Turkey  have  crossed  the  border  into  Per- 
sia, in  the  district  of  Oroomiah,  of  every  age  and  sex. 
They  are  naked,  penniless  and  hungry.  Each  day 
bands  of  50,  100  and  300  cross  the  borders,  and  each 
band  tells  of  others  who  will  follow.  Each  day  brings 
the  winter's  cold  nearer,  and  reduces  the  stock  of  pro- 
visions in  the  hands  of  their  fellow-Christians  here. 
The  suffering  is  daily  becoming  more  acute.  The 
sights  that  meet  our  eyes  are  pitiful  in  the  extreme. 
Our  doors  are  thronged  with  hungry,  ragged,  starving 
people,  whose  conditions  defies  description.  Little 
children  almost  naked  in  the  cold  wintry  air  appeal 
irresistibly  to  our  sympathies.  The  Christian  villages 
are  crowded  with  these  refugees  begging  bread.  They 
come  from  the  settlements  of  the  Marbishu  Valley, 
Gawar,  Ishtazin,  Jilu,  Diz  and  from  the  regions  of  the 
Upper  Zab,  Boslikala  and  Tieri.  The  majority  are 
Nestorians,  but  among  them  are  several  hundreds  of 
Armenians. 


22  MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 

''The  total  Christian  population  of  this  region  is  not 
less  than  20,000,  two-thirds  of  whom  are  practically 
homeless,  and  the  remainder  in  imminent  danger  of 
being  driven  from  their  villages.  Another  year  like 
the  last  must  entirely  depopulate  the  whole  of  these 
regions  of  Christians.  Hence  the  absolute  necessity 
of  immediate  relief  being  given  in  food,  clothing  and 
helpful  direction. 

"The  Nestorian  population  in  Turkey  has  two  divi- 
sions. One  nucleus  is  formed  by  the  independent 
tribes  of  Tieri,  Tichoma,  Baz  and  Jilu,  numbering 
about  50,000  souls,  living  in  the  most  rugged  valley 
of  Kurdistan  (ancient  Adiabene).  Outside  these  al- 
most inaccessible  mountains  lies  the  other  nucleus  of 
about  50,000  Nestorians,  with  a few  Armenians  scat- 
tered amongst  them  in  the  smaller  valleys  and  plains, 
stretching  into  the  Vilayet  of  Van.  In  the  same  re- 
gion, and  surrounding  the  whole,  live  a vastly  larger 
number  of  the  Kurdish  tribes.  Kurdish  robbery  has 
been  allowed  a free  hand,  and  on  the  scattered  com- 
munities there  have  been  constant  raids,  and  oppressive 
taxation,  without  protection,  which  has  ruined  the 
country.  Village  after  village  has  been  depopulated. 
Twent}^  years  ago  the  Christians  of  Gawar  were  famed 
for  their  wealth  in  fields  and  cattle.  To-day  their  head- 
men are  beggars.  Not  a single  word  or  act  of  rebel- 
lion, not  even  an  over-zealous  revolutionary  spirit,  can 
be  urged  as  an  excuse  for  this  fearful  oppression. 

"Cold  and  famine  are  now  forcing  the  Christians  to 
leave  their  homes.  Many  have  fled  by  night,  over  un- 
frequented roads,  to  avoid  the  frontier  guards  stationed 
there  to  force  them  back  to  certain  death  by  starvation. 
Even  their  flight  has  become  a source  of  profit  to  the 
Kurds,  who,  for  a consideration,  engage  to  conduct 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


23 


them  across  the  border,  and  then,  on  parting,  rob  them 
of  everything  worth  taking,  sending  them  on  their 
way  naked,  cold  and  hungry.  Yet  with  all  this  thou- 
sands are  escaping,  in  spite  of  the  wild  mountain 
tracks,  covered  with  snow,  difficult  to  find  and  difficult 
to  keep.  In  spite  of  the  cruelty  they  are  subjected  to, 
and  the  winter  cold,  with  scanty  food,  sleeping  in  the 
open  or  in  the  sheepfolds,  they  reach  us,  with  nothing 
but  the  few  rags  that  are  left  to  them. 

'‘The  people  have  escaped  from  Turkish  rule  with 
their  lives.  The  Christians  here  will  share  with  them 
their  own  scanty  stores  of  food.  They  will  shelter 
them  till  sheds  and  stables  will  hold  no  more.  The 
Persian  Government  receive  them  without  prejudice, 
but  do  not  aid  them.  They  cannot  be  clothed  or 
warmed  without  outside  aid.  Many  must  suffer  from 
lack  of  food  and  shelter.  If  the  number  of  refugees 
continues  to  increase — only  the  setting  in  of  still 
severer  weather  closing  all  roads  can  prevent  this — it 
is  hard  to  see  how  they  can  live  at  all.  Some  of  our 
villages  on  the  plains  of  Oroomiah  have  already  a ref- 
ugee population  equal  to  half  or  two-thirds  of  their 
own  number.  We  must  have  an  organized  plan  of  help, 
and  cannot  afford  to  wait.  A small  sum  on  hand  has 
enabled  us  to  begin,  and  the  work  must  not  stop.  We 
believe  that  finding  work  is  the  best  aid  we  can  give  in 
the  present  distress,  and  suggest  the  following  plan: 
(i)  Helping  men  to  pass  on  to  Russia,  where  work 
can  be  had.  Twelve  shillings  will  enable  a man  to 
reach  Russia.  This  will  help  men  who  have  small 
families  or  none.  (2)  Aid  to  men  who  have  large  or 
very  dependent  families  by  work  on  public  improve- 
ments here.  They  can  earn  eightpence  a day.  (3)  Aid 
to  women,  and  in  less  extent  to  men,  by  work  in  wool. 


24  MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 

(4)  Aid  to  Special  cases  by  grants  of  food  or  clothing. 

(5)  By  supporting  children,  especially  orphans,  in  the 
schools.  Two  pounds  will  clothe  and  support  one 
child  for  the  winter,  and  twice  the  sum  for  a year.’' 

I saw  hundreds  of  Syrians  coming  from  Russia  to 
their  native  land  of  Persia.  Some  had  been  robbed 
and  killed  and  left  lifeless  in  the  rocky  mountains  and 
in  the  valleys ; others  were  running  toward  home,  hav- 
ing been  robbed  of  their  belongings,  the  bread  of  the 
anxious  wives  had  been  taken  from  their  hands,  and 
they  were  left  penniless  and  hungry.  All  these  cruel- 
ties were  done  to  those  poor  creatures  by  selfish  Mo- 
hammedans who  were  unwilling  to  work  for  a living, 
but  were  eager  to  rob  widows  and  orphans  of  the  very 
bread  that  was  given  to  them  by  kind  friends. 

Wherever  it  was  difficult  for  us  to  pass  the  hilly 
country,  we  paid  soldiers  to  guide  us  over  the  rough 
parts.  At  last  we  found  ourselves  under  the  Russian 
Government.  Then  we  felt  easy.  Our  dangers  had 
passed  by,  although  in  some  parts  of  Russia  we  were 
in  some  danger.  Thereafter  I left  my  companions  to 
travel  alone.  The  cities  near  Persia  and  Turkey  are 
inhabited  by  different  nations,  and  the  Mohammedans 
have  not  the  liberty  to  act  as  they  please,  but  are  pun- 
ished at  once  if  they  do  wrong.  They  can  only  act 
in  such  a cruel  manner  in  their  own  country,  but  must 
behave  themselves  in  foreign  countries. 

As  I drew  near  the  central  part  of  Russia,  I came  to 
the  large  towns  of  Keive,  Moscow,  etc.,  where  the 
most  of  the  inhabitants  are  Russians.  The  men  are 
iight  complexioned  and  large ; although  in  some  parts 
of  the  country  the  climate  does  not  seem  to  agree  with 
them.  The  women  are  stronger,  consequently  they 
have  the  hard  work  to  do.  The  law  requires  that 


Mohammed,  the  last  prophet.  25 

strangers  must  have  a passport,  and  by  this  he  can  go 
through  all  parts  of  the  country.  This  passport  gives 
a description  of  the  man,  who  he  is,  what  his  business 
is,  etc.,  and  if  he  does  not  have  it,  he  is  liable  to  be 
cast  into  prison  as  soon  as  they  find  him  out. 

I visited  a good  many  places  in  that  country  and 
learned  a little  of  their  ways  of  living.  I found  the 
Russians  are  great  beer  drinkers.  I did  not  associate 
very  much  with  the  natives,  because  I could  not  speak 
their  language  well.  I traveled  a great  deal,  and  was 
robbed  before  I left  the  country. 

A short  time  after  leaving  Russia  I started  for  Ham- 
burg to  visit  my  friends  there.  It  was  difficult  for  me 
to  remain  because  I could  not  speak  the  language. 
During  my  brief  stay  there  I learned  a little  of  the 
natives,  and  found  they  were  not  like  the  Russians  in 
any  way. 

But  I did  not  stay  there  long,  and  was  soon  under 
the  English  flag  in  the  great  city  of  London.  At  first 
I could  not  speak  any  English,  but  after  a short  time  I 
learned  to  speak  and  read  and  write.  I lived  a happy 
life  during  the  two  years  and  a half  of  my  stay  with 
my  English  friends.  There  I met  Rev.  F.  B.  Meyer, 
Mr.  W.  R.  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A. ; Rev. 
W.  A.  Wilson  and  Mr.  A.  Noel,  who  was  my  school- 
master. Mr.  J.  H.  Idle  and  his  family  were  very  kind 
to  me.  I had  the  pleasure  of  visiting  Westminster 
Abbey,  the  wonderful  building  of  the  British  and  For- 
eign Bible  Society,  where  are  found  Bibles  in  all  the 
languages  of  the  world,  the  British  Museum,  etc., 
etc.  After  enjoying  all  the  sights  of  Great  Britain,  I 
departed  for  America,  and  landed  in  Canada,  and  from 
there  came  to  the  free  country  of  the  United  States. 
As  heaven  and  earth  are  different  in  looks,  so  is  Amer- 


26 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


ica  from  Asia.  Mohammedanism,  ruler  of  cruelty,  is 
there ; justice  and  peace,  above  all,  is  here. 

In  all  my  lonely  life,  traveling  nearly  half  way  round 
the  globe,  it  has  been  my  desire  all  the  time  to  grow 
in  knowledge  of  the  Scripture.  I have  pressed  my 
Bible  tightly  on  my  breast,  praying  to  God  to  give  me 
the  help  of  His  strength  to  carry  the  message  of  His 
free  salvation  to  those  millions  over  there. 


THOSE  MILLIONS  OVER  THERE. 

They  wait,  those  millions  over  there; 

Our  hope  in  Christ  they  do  not  share; 

They  wait  fon  us  to  come. 

Their  time  of  waiting  seems  so  long 
For  those  who  wait  without  a song 
To  bless  their  cheerless  home. 

They  weep,  those  millions  over  there! 
Our  joy  in  Christ  they  do  not  share; 

They  weep  in  nameless  grief. 

Shall  we  not  wipe  their  tears  away? 
Shall  we  not  turn  their  night  to  day? 
Shall  we  not  bring  relief? 

They  die,  those  millions  over  there; 
Our  life  in  Christ  they  do  not  share; 

They  die  in  sin  and  shame. 

While  Christ  hath  died  to  save  them  all, 
And  yearns  to  save  whoe’er  may  call 
On  his  sweet,  blessed  name. 

For  those  dear  millions  over  there 
Heav’n's  richest  gifts  might  fully  share; 
Glad  trophies  they  might  win. 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET.  27 

Could  they  but  see  the  Saviour’s  face; 

Could  they  but  share  our  Saviour’s  grace, 

They’d  triumph  over  sin. 

But  those  sad  millions  over  there 
Our  hope  in  Christ  may  never  share, 

But  be  forever  lost. 

Should  we  withhold  the  precious  word 
Of  him  whose  message  glad  we’ve  heard. 

Who  saves  at  priceless  cost. 

Then  help  those  millions  over  there 
The  bread  of  heaven,  sweet,  to  share; 

God’s  sweetest  message  give — 

That  sin’s  sad  end  is  not  the  grave; 

That  Jesus  died  our  souls  to  save; 

He  died  that  we  might  live. 


CHAPTER  II. 


ANCIENT  MEDIA  AND  PERSIA. 

It  seems  wise  to  join  Media  and  Persia  together  in 
history;  first,  because  both  races  of  these  countries 
were  from  one  root ; second,  because  even  though 
Media  and  Persia  were  separate  kingdoms  for  a short 
time,  yet  Media  was  swallowed  up  by  Persia.  Both 
these  races  settled  in  the  higher  grounds  of  Zagros 
mountains  in  ancient  Persia,  where  they  dwelt  until 
800  B.  C.,  when  they  located  in  the  hilly  parts  of  Media 
and  Persia,  and  first  became  known  by  Dorians  about 
710  B.  C. 

Sargon,  the  king  of  the  Dorians,  took  part  of  Media 
and  gave  places  to  the  Jews  who  were  taken  captives 
by  the  Atorians  from  the  cities  of  Samaria.  The  Do- 
rians could  not  keep  the  Medians  under  their  govern- 
ment. They  grew  iQ  power  and  raised  a mighty 
kingdom  under  their  own  king,  Cyaxares,  633  B.  C. 
He  was  a victorious  king  and  destroyed  Ninevah  625 
B.  C.  Then  he  enlarged  his  kingdom  to  the  west  of 
Asia  Minor.  His  son  Astyage,  however,  was  unable 
to  keep  his  throne,  and  the  kingdom  was  taken  by  the 
great  king  Cyrus. 

In  the  ancient  times  of  Media,  the  Persians  raised 
themselves  to  a higher  degree  in  Persia,  but  were  still 
obedient  to  Media.  While  Astyage  was  king  of  Media, 
Cambyces,  king  of  Persia,  was  given  the  Median  prin- 
cess for  a wife.  To  them  a son  was  born  whom  they 
named  Cyrus.  He  used  to  be  at  his  grandfather’s 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


29 


court  as  secretary  to  his  father.  Some  historians  say 
that  Astyage  dreamed  that  his  nephew  would  rule 
over  all  Asia.  Because  of  jealousy,  he  gave  the  child 
to  one  of  his  servants,  Harpagos,  asking  him  to  de- 
stroy him.  Harpagos  gave  him  to  a shepherd,  who 
promised  to  throw  him  away  in  the  mountains — a 
promise  which  he  did  not  keep.  It  came  to  pass  that 
the  child  grew  in  might  and  wisdom  at  the  poor  man’s 
house.  At  last  it  became  known  to  the  king  that  the 
child  was  alive.  Harpagos  was  punished  for  his  un- 
faithfulness. His  son  was  cooked,  and  he  was  com- 
pelled to  eat  his  flesh ; but  the  prince  was  sent  safe  to 
his  father.  He  became  king  of  Persia  558  B.  C.  After 
his  father’s  death,  for  twenty-nine  years,  he  enlarged 
his  kingdom  from  the  Hindoos  to  Hellespont,  from 
the  River  Euphrates  to  the  borders  of  Syria.  Cyrus 
is  known  as  one  of  the  greatest  kings  of  Persia ; and 
he  made  his  country  to  be  one  of  the  most  powerful 
kingdoms  of  his  time.  Cambyses,  his  son,  took  his 
place  after  he  died.  Cambyses  was  jealous  of  his 
brother  Smardis,  and  privately  killed  him  525  B.  C. 
Then  he  entered  Egypt  and  acted  cruelly  towards 
Psammetieus,  the  king  of  Egypt,  and  made  him  drink 
poison ; then  he  stabbed  a bull  calf,  which  was  consid- 
ered holy  by  the  Egyptians.  On  being  told  by  one  of 
his  servants  that  the  people  blamed  him  because  he 
drank  so  much,  he  shot  the  son  of  the  servant  in  his 
anger. 

In  that  time  Goomates  showed  himself  in  the  image 
of  the  dead  prince  Smardis.  When  Cambyses  heard  it 
he  returned  back  in  haste.  He  died  on  his  way.  Some 
say  that  he  took  his  own  life ; others  say  he  was  killecl 
525  B.  C. 


30 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


Darius  Hystaspes,  governor  of  one  of  the  states  of 
Persia  and  a member  of  the  royal  family,  raised  a band 
of  armed  men  and  killed  Goomates  because  he  was 
not  a member  of  the  royal  family.  Hystaspes  took 
the  throne  in  541  B.  C.  After  Cyrus  he  was  the  most 
powerful  king.  He  divided  the  kingdom  into  twenty 
counties  and  placed  governors  over  each.  These  gov- 
ernors were  called  satraps.  Up  to  this  time  the  natives 
had  to  pay  heavy  taxes,  but  Hystaspes  fixed  certain 
rules,  and  became  acquainted  with  all  the  country, 
arranging  a certain  service  by  which  he  could  send 
and  receive  messages  quickly. 

We  have  learned  of  the  Medians  and  Persians,  that 
they  are  from  the  same  root,  although  the  Persians 
were  purer  than  the  Medians.  The  word  Persian 
means  noble.  We  first  learn  of  them  in  history  as 
brave  and  temperate,  not  fond  of  dress  and  pleasures. 
From  olden  times  the  Persians  were  disciples  of  the 
Dorians  and  the  Babylonians.  They  learned  much 
fiom  the  Babylonians,  and  soon  became  their  teachers. 
The  chief  samples  of  their  ancient  work  were  the  an- 
cient graves  and  temples,  which  were  found  many 
years  after  by  King  Persepolis.  Another  thing  of 
which  the  Persians  were  proud  was  the  bravery  of  their 
soldieis.  They  also  had  a pure  religion  and  wor- 
shipped God ; but  after  they  mingled  with  the  Egyp- 
tians and  other  nations  they  lost  their  purity,  and  fol- 
lowed other  gods,  such  as  Ormuzd  and  Ahriman, 
images  of  light  and  darkness  as  well  as  other  kinds  of 
worship  of  the  Medians.  To  worship  fire,  they  built 
fire  altars  in  high  mountains,  and  kept  them  burning 
day  and  night.  They  said  that  fire  was  light  from 
heaven ; therefore  they  had  to  watch  it  and  keep  its 
flames  as  high  as  they  could  all  the  time.  Even  until 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


31 


today  the  hills  of  ashes  are  witnesses  to  their  ancient 
worship. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  Persians  were  known  in 
olden  history ; but  there  are  few  records  concerning 
them  except  those  in  the  Zendravesta,  which  contains 
the  holy  books  of  Persia,  and  was  prepared  by  Zoroas- 
ter, the  well-known  man  and  master  of  religious  teach- 
ings of  Persia.  We  can  also  learn  more  from  another 
book  written  by  Firdusi,  the  chief  poet  of  Persia,  which 
was  found  soon  after  Christ.  We  can  learn  much  con- 
cerning these  two  nations  in  the  history  of  the  world, 
and  also  from  the  Old  Testament.  I think,  however, 
it  will  be  more  interesting  to  my  readers  to  know 
something  of  the  story  of  Mohammedanism,  for  we 
must  remember  that  after  Mohammed,  all  the  ancient 
law  and  teachings  are  abandoned  and  his  teachings 
only  are  thought  to  be  true.  From  his  birth  a new 
history  with  a new  leader  began  for  the  Mahomme- 
dans. 


CHAPTER  III. 


MOHAMMED  AND  THE  KORAN. 

About  five  hundred  years  after  Christ,  a new  relig- 
ious leader  appeared  who  was  called  Mohammed.  He 
was  a merchant  in  his  early  days,  and  traveled  through 
the  entire  country  of  Persia.  In  this  way  he  came  to 
know  nearly  all  the  prominent  men  in  the  kingdom. 
Much  of  his  time  was  given  to  reading  and  study  of 
all  the  manuscripts  that  he  could  get.  Under  the  care 
of  Persian  teachers  he  grew  in  knowledge  and  under- 
standing, and  this  brought  him  to  a higher  plane  of 
living.  Then  he  became  acquainted  with  a Syrian 
theological  student  from  whom  he  learned  the  Sacred 
Scriptures,  and  thus  acquainted  himself  with  the  Chris- 
tian religion.  He  knew  well,  too,  the  history  of  Media 
and  Persia,  together  with  their  ancient  laws. 

The  way  in  which  he  became  a prophet  is  said  by 
Syrians  to  be  as  follows : Mohammed  had  a sister, 
whom  his  Christian  teacher  wanted  for  his  wife.  Ac- 
cording to  the  law,  however,  a Persian  could  not  give 
his  daughter  to  a Christian  for  a wife ; nor  could  a 
Persian  marry  a Christian  woman.  Nevertheless,  the 
Christian  teacher  tried  his  best  to  secure  his  desire. 
One  day  he  said  to  Mohammed : 

'Tf  I will  write  you  a book,  and  make  you  a prophet, 
will  you  give  me  your  sister  to  be  my  wife?’' 

Mohammed  consented  to  this  agreement.  After  the 
1)ook  was  ready,  the  two  men  agreed  to  meet  at  a cer- 
tain well,  the  teacher  going  down  in  the  well.  Mo- 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


33 


hammed  was  to  take  with  him  messengers  who  carried 
ropes.  The  Christian  teacher  said  that  he  would  not 
send  the  book  in  the  first  two  which  came  to  him,  but 
the  third  rope  was  to  contain  the  book. 

Mohammed  said  to  the  people : God  has  spoken  to 
me  in  a vision,  that  I am  to  be  the  last  prophet.  He 
has  sent  me  a book  from  heaven,  which  is  in  a certain 
well.  Come  and  be  my  witness  of  the  truth,  and  bring 
my  book  up.  They  did  as  he  had  said,  and  in  accord- 
ance with  the  promise  of  the  teacher,  the  book  was 
sent  up  the  third  time.  When  they  saw  the  book  they 
all  believed  him  to  be  the  true  prophet.  Then  Mo- 
hammed said : '^Whoever  believeth  in  me  to  be  the 
last  prophet,  and  believeth  in  my  book,  let  him  throw 
a stone  in  that  well  so  each  one  of  them  did  what 
was  asked,  and  the  man  who  wrote  the  book  was  killed, 
without  their  knowing  what  they  had  done.  The  Syr- 
ians say  that  Mohammed  was  a wise  man.  He  changed 
that  book  and  called  it  his  own.  Mohammedans,  how- 
ever, say  there  were  four  books  sent  from  God  to  the 
world : Koran,  Old  Testament,  New  Testament  and 
Psalms.  The  Psalms  were  taken  up  again  because  no 
one  could  fulfil  their  teachings.  The  Old  and  New 
Testaments  got  lost  on  the  earth ; and  the  Koran  only 
was  left  to  be  the  only  Holy  Book,  and  Mohammed 
the  only  true  prophet  from  God.  Through  him  all  na- 
tions will  be  saved. 

It  is  not  known  if  these  sayings  are  true,  neverthe- 
less most  people  agree  that  Mohammed  was  one  of 
the  wisest  men  of  his  time,  and  they  also  believe  that 
he  wrote  part  of  the  Koran  himself,  and  that  the  book 
was  finished  by  some  of  those  who  followed  in  his 
teachings.  The  word  Koran  means  reading,  and  it 
was  read  by  people  in  every  city  and  village. 


34 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


Armed  Mohammedans  went  in  different  parts  of  the 
country  to  find  out  about  Mohammed’s  followers ; all 
who  believed  in  him  were  saved,  while  those  who  re- 
jected  him  were  killed.  A great  many  received  his 
message  because  of  fear.  There  were  millions  of  fol- 
lowers a few  years  after  his  death ; and  even  to-day 
the  Mohammedan  constituency  is  very  strong. 

Mohammed  himself  is  not  so  well  thought  of  as  his 
holy  book ; but  the  Koran  is  greatly  honored.  They 
say  that  more  than  seventy-seven  meanings  are  given 
to  each  verse.  The  law  which  Mohammed  gave  to 
his  people  is  not  known  to  Christians,  but  is  kept 
secret  from  them.  No  one  dares  to  take  the  Koran 
in  his  hands  until  he  turns  to  Mohammedanism. 

When  he  was  running  from  Maka  to  Madena  for 
safety,  crowds  would  follow  him  in  order  that  they 
might  see  his  appearance,  even  if  they  did  not  want  to 
believe  in  him.  It  was  said  that  women  would  come 
from  all  parts  of  the  country  to  live  with  him,  for  they 
believed  that  if  they  did  this  they  would  be  saved,  as 
that  was  Mohammed’s  law,  and  he  had  hundreds  of 
wives.  If  he  found  a woman  he  liked  who  was  mar- 
ried, he  would  kill  her  husband  and  then  marry  her. 
He  was  cruel  and  selfish,  but  all  his  immorality  and 
wickedness  has  been  covered  by  his  followers.  Those 
who  are  most  devout  wear  a large  blue  turban  around 
their  heads,  and  have  long  garments  like  the  Pharisees 
hanging  from  their  shoulders,  red  or  green  shoes  upon 
their  feet,  and  have  red  toes  and  fingers  which  they 
have  dyed  in  paint.  No  one  dares  touch  these  people. 
Another  class  of  this  kind  of  people  wear  a little  larger 
white  turban  around  their  half-shaven  heads.  These 
are  proud  to  be  the  masters  and  teachers  of  religion. 

From  these  two  classes  springs  the  spirit  of  jeal- 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


35 


ousy  among  the  Mohammedans,  and  stirs  them  to  shed 
the  last  drop  of  blood  to  wipe  out  Christianity.  Mo- 
hammed said : ''If  any  man  will  lose  his  foot  or  arm 
in  religious  war,  in  the  next  world  he  will  have  the 
wings  of  angels  instead.’'  He  also  said  that  the  sword 
was  the  key  of  the  Kingdom  of  God,  by  it  all  people 
can  meet  him  in  heaven  and  have  their  reward.  The 
Mohammedans  have  their  rest  day  on  Friday  instead 
of  Sunday.  That  day  must  be  kept  holy  if  they  are 
anxious  to  see  their  leader  face  to  face.  The  length 
of  the  year  is  determined  by  the  moon ; sometimes 
they  have  thirteen  months ; sometimes  twelve ; there- 
fore their  year  is  behind  ours.  Each  year  is  placed 
on  the  image  of  one  animal ; if  lucky,  will  set  on  a 
lamb  or  a mouse,  etc. ; if  unlucky,  on  a spider  or  other 
insects. 

Religious  worship,  law,  government  rules  and  home 
and  social  life  are  kept  strictly  by  all  the  disciples  of 
Mohammed. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


CHIEFS  IN  BATTLE — DIVISION  OF  TRIBES. 

Soon  after  the  death  of  the  leader,  his  followers 
separated  into  two  groups  or  tribes — Soni  and  Shia. 
Soni  stands  for  Abobaker,  the  first  chief  to  take  his 
master’s  place;  but  Shia  said  that  Ali  is  the  first  one 
to  take  Mohammed’s  throne ; therefore  these  two  tribes 
are  enemies. 

Some  of  the  chiefs  from  each  side  were  killed  at  a 
religious  battle,  and  both  tribes  mourn  for  the  chiefs 
of  its  nation.  This  is  done  each  year  during  the  month 
of  Moharam,  the  month  of  mourning. 

The  tribe  of  Shia  was  living  under  tents  in  the  open 
fields  in  the  district  of  Karbala  to  avenge  the  marriage 
of  Hosen  to  Sacna.  Both  parties  were  from  noble 
families  of  the  prophet,  and  letters  of  invitation  were 
sent  to  all  members  of  their  tribe  according  to  their 
law.  At  the  beginning  of  the  wedding  the  streams  of 
water  were  turned  in  opposite  directions  from  the 
highest  part  of  the  country.  There  the  tribe  of  Soni 
had  settled  for  the  summer  rest.  The  tribes  were  such 
enemies  that  they  would  not  look  at  each  other  if  they 
met  by  crossing  a river,  or  passing  a narrow  turning 
in  the  mountains.  While  the  lower  tribes  had  all  their 
friends  and  chief  officers  of  the  nation  all  ready  to  join 
the  bride’s  company,  it  was  necessary  for  them  to  have 
water  first,  and  they  knew  that  meant  trouble. 

A band  of  armed  men  marched  toward  the  upper 
part  for  water.  On  their  way  the  enemies  met  in  a 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


37 


low  plain  between  the  hills,  and  this  meant  battle.  It 
is  said  that  the  blood  of  the  men  who  were  killed 
raised  to  cover  the  horses’  feet.  The  loss  was  very 
heavy  on  both  sides.  A few  who  were  left  from  Shia 
returned  to  their  tents,  trembling  from  fear,  and  they 
knew  that  agony  was  at  hand.  Each  man  flew  to  the 
hills  and  mountains  for  safety.  Women  and  children 
were  left  homeless,  unable  to  run  away,  but  were  a 
prey  for  their  enemies. 

At  that  time  all  the  district  of  Karabala  was  under 
the  supervision  of  Soni.  Shia  and  his  followers  had  a 
few  armed  men  unable  to  protect  their  lives  even  if 
they  flew  away.  These  are  the  names  of  some  which 
have  suffered  and  died  in  Shia : 

Hosen  was  the  oldest  of  all  chiefs  and  is  called 
Abraham  Kalel  Aola,  the  friend  of  God.  It  is  said 
that  he  was  holy  and  perfect  and  the  third  prophet  after 
Mohammed.  Ali,  he  is  called  in  many  different  names, 
as  the  father  of  the  faithful,  etc.,  the  holiest  chief  after 
the  leader,  and  his  son-in-law.  All  Mohammedans 
believe  he  has  power  with  God,  and  could  protect  his 
people  from  everlasting  fire ; they  also  believe  that  he 
is  always  among  them,  although  not  seen.  He  will 
be  seen  unto  all  at  his  second  coming,  and  will  save 
his  people  from  punishment. 

Abas,  the  cousin  of  Ali,  is  the  bravest  and  strongest 
chief  among  his  people.  His  noble  look,  black  eyes 
and  curly  hair  turned  the  angry  men  so  they  did  not 
lay  their  hands  upon  him.  He  was,  however,  slain 
because  he  stood  against  another  tribe.  It  was  said 
that  there  was  no  horse  to  bear  his  weight,  nor  any 
sword  that  would  fit  his  hand,  except  his  own,  which 
he  possessed  during  his  life.  He  was  one  of  the  chiefs, 


38 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


although  he  was  not  humble  like  the  others,  only 
brave  at  heart. 

Akpar,  the  son  of  Resa,  the  youngest  chief,  was 
growing  to  be  one  of  the  religious  leaders,  but  was 
slain.  Thus  the  cord  was  broken  from  his  life,  and 
he  was  unable  to  enter  the  service  of  him  to  whom 
he  was  called. 

Hasan,  the  son  of  Hosen,  was  the  man  of  wisdom 
and  understanding  who  was  not  willing  to  accept  a 
higher  position  which  was  offered  to  him.  He  was 
humble  and  gentle  during  his  life,  and  most  of  the 
Mohammedans  are  proud  of  him,  because  he  is  true 
in  all  his  words.  He  is  not  honored,  however,  because 
he  did  not  accept  the  higher  position. 

Resa,  the  third  chief  after  Hasan,  was  a faithful 
believer  in  all  who  had  come  before  him,  and  was 
strict  in  religion,  but  was  not  strong  in  body.  He 
was  a man  of  troubles  and  zeal  who  was  not  afraid 
of  death,  because  he  had  the  power  of  death  under  his 
hands.  It  has  been  said  that  he  had  spiritual  knowl- 
edge of  coming  events.  The  Mohammedans  are  all 
proud  of  his  works  until  today. 

Kasem,  the  bridegroom,  was  unable  to  welcome  the 
queen  of  his  heart,  and  with  folded  hands  he  bowed 
his  head  under  the  sharp  knife  of  his  enemies,  while 
the  partner  of  his  life  was  left  friendless  in  the  hands 
of  betrayers. 

Many  more  might  be  mentioned,  but  these  are  suffi- 
cient to  show  my  readers  how  Mohammedanism 
began  to  spread  its  wings,  even  in  all  troubles.  The 
reports  of  these  men's  lives  are  given  by  them,  but 
we  know  they  are  untruthful,  consequently  the  words 
mean  little  to  us.  One  thing  we  can  learn  from  them. 
If  they  in  their  idle  hopes  were  willing  to  shed  the 


MOHAMMED,  TtlE  LAST  PROPHET. 


39 


last  drop  of  blood  to  push  Koran  to  the  front,  how 
much  more  should  we  work  to  carry  on  the  cause  of 
our  true  God  and  Christ. 

All  the  prophets  and  chiefs  are  thought  to  be  per- 
fect ; therefore  the  Mohammedans  mourn  the  loss  of 
the  first  ones  of  their  nation  who  were  killed  in  the 
highways. 

Not  only  were  men  killed  at  that  time,  but  women 
and  children  also.  Zainab,  Patma,  the  wife  of  Mo- 
hammed, who  was  the  prettiest  woman  among  all  his 
wives,  were  among  those  who  were  slain.  Sakna,  the 
bride,  was  killed  afterwards. 

Some  chiefs  from  the  tribe  of  Soni  which  stood 
against  Shia  were  Abobaker,  Shemor,  Aosman.  Abo- 
baker  is  known  by  Soni  to  be  the  first  one  after  Mo- 
hammed ; but  Shia  says  Ali.  Every  one  of  them  is 
against  the  other  to  carry  their  teachings  ahead,  even 
if  both  serve  the  same  prophet,  but  a different  set  of 
chiefs. 

Abobaker  was  the  man  of  battle ; his  wild  appear- 
ance and  red  eyes  were  sufficient  to  give  fear  to  the 
young  soldiers  of  Shia.  He  eagerly  watched  to  shed 
innocent  blood  of  the  young  chiefs,  only  to  show  his 
strength  and  ability ; otherwise  he  did  not  care  very 
much  for  religion.  He  knew  Shia  were  few  at  that 
time,  and  he  had  the  most  population. 

Shemor,  second  chief,  fellowman  of  Abobaker,  was 
young  but  ugly.  It  is  said  that  he  was  known  every- 
where because  of  his  large  wavering  red  ears.  He 
served  under  the  first  chief  to  hold  the  umbrella  above 
his  head  wherever  he  went. 

Shia’s  history  does  not  compliment  the  chiefs  of 
Soni's  tribe,  because  they  were  enemies.  As  I have 
studied  the  history  of  Shia  fully,  I have  written  their 


40 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


sayings.  It  is  impossible  for  us  to  see  them  friends. 
They  have  no  friendships  even  in  their  books,  and  we 
cannot  please  them  both. 

Gasman  was  the  youngest  chief,  but  obedient  to  the 
others,  according  to  their  law,  for  the  young  must 
serve  the  old,  even  though  they  be  in  a higher  position. 
Many  more  were  engaged  in  that  war,  but  as  we  do 
not  believe  their  faith  was  true,  I will  not  name  them, 
but  will  mention  something  of  their  behavior  toward 
each  other. 

As  we  learned,  the  tribe  of  Shia  left  their  tents  and 
little  ones  and  flew  to  the  mountains  for  several  days. 
Soon  Soni  appeared  to  rob  and  kill.  Entering  the 
first  tent,  they  found  Patma  alone,  and  cruelly  abused 
her.  It  is  said  she  was  taken  to  heaven  from  their 
hands.  They  took  all  the  valuables  and  left  the  tent 
empty.  The  same  was  done  at  the  second  tent.  When 
Kadcha  saw  the  enemies,  she  cried  for  them  to  do 
what  they  pleased,  but  not  to  touch  her.  Entering 
the  third  tent  of  Zainab,  the  powerful  woman  tried  to 
stop  her  enemies,  and  save  her  life  and  riches,  but  the 
men  conquered  and  left  her  penniless.  They  marched 
up  and  down  with  bloody  swords  in  their  hands  from 
tent  to  tent,  till  they  came  to  the  tent  of  Reza,  who 
was  old  and  weak  and  unable  to  find  a place  of  safety. 
He  had  a large  family,  and  locked  the  door  and  kept 
within  the  tent.  The  band  of  soldiers  were  eager  to 
kill  this  man,  but  they  promised  not  to  lay  hands  on 
him  if  he  would  open  the  door.  On  entering  the 
house,  however,  they  saw  great  quantities  of  gold  and 
silver,  which  they  took.  This  did  not  satisfy  them, 
for  they  v:anted  to  take  his  life.  On  account  of  their 
promise  they  could  not  do  this,  consequently  they 
tried  to  kill  his  children  while  he  was  looking  on. 


Mohammed,  the  last  prophet. 


41 


This  action,  they  thought,  would  awaken  the  old  man's 
anger,  and  give  them  an  opportunity  to  fulfil  their 
desire.  One  of  his  daughters  was  killed  before  him ; 
the  youngest  one  was  tied  and  thrown  in  the  burning 
fire.  The  broken-hearted  father  fixed  his  eyes  on  his 
beloved  daughter,  saying:  ''Do  not  be  afraid,  my  dear ; 
hereafter  you  will  fly  in  the  most  beautiful  part  of 
heaven.  Whenever  we  see  you  there,  you  will  be 
resting  on  the  arms  of  your  uncle.  It  is  bitter  for  me 
to  see  you  suffering  in  the  hands  of  wicked  men.  Re- 
member your  hope  is  above.  If  I die  before  you,  I 
will  rest  myself  on  the  golden  seats  beside  my  uncle 
to  share  the  happiness  and  patiently  wait  to  see  you 
enter  the  gates  of  our  everlasting  home.  Take  courage 
for  a little  time,  then  you  will  open  your  eyes  in  a 
happy  home  where  your  uncle  will  wipe  all  tears 
away." 

The  angry  men  gnashed  their  teeth  in  anger  when 
these  words  were  spoken  by  the  trembling  man,  and 
the  fire  was  heated  over.  The  aged  man  was  pushed 
in  and  burned  to  ashes ; then  the  ashes  were  scattered 
in  all  directions.  To  their  surprise  one  hand  and  his 
chest  were  unharmed.  It  was  tried  three  times,  but 
again  appeared  just  the  same.  Shia  says  that  because 
he  was  perfect  and  showed  sympathy  for  his  daughter. 
But  Soni  says  because  he  was  so  wicked  his  hand  did 
not  burn,  which  showed  that  his  punishment  would  be 
great  at  the  end. 

Mohammedans  say  that  it  was  the  same  hand  that 
wrote  on  the  wall  of  Belshazzar.  The  same  hand  was 
taken  and  carried  to  a certain  place,  where  it  is  kept. 
This  place  is  called  a national  holy  place  until  this  day. 

In  the  evening  those  who  had  fled  returned.  When 
they  heard  of  the  cruelties,  it  was  hard  for  them  to 


42 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


decide  what  to  do.  Death  was  certain  if  they  waited ; 
and  if  they  went,  there  seemed  little  hope  for  life.  Two 
brothers  refuged  themselves  in  a house  in  Soni’s  vil- 
lage. They  were  soon  brought  out  and  slain  like  sheep 
in  front  of  their  enemies.  Others  were  found  in  dif- 
ferent places  and  killed.  Some  suf¥ered  and  died  from 
hunger  and  troubles ; others  were  taken  captive  and 
killed  according  to  the  ancient  law.  The  battle  lasted 
for  some  time,  both  parties  losing  a large  number  of 
men.  From  that  time  till  to-day  the  Mohammedans 
mourn  to  remember  the  first  leaders  of  the  nation. 

Every  morning  and  evening  for  a month  one  of  the 
priests  or  students  will  go  to  a high  place,  or  top  of 
a maschet,  and  will  sing  in  a sad  tune,  ''Come  to  the 
prayer.''  A band  of  men  and  boys,  hand  in  hand,  will 
walk  from  street  to  street  with  sticks  in  their  hands — ■ 
the  leader  having  a sword — all  ready  to  meet  the  next 
band  for  battle.  Each  band  is  divided  in  two  parts, 
who  sing  in  turn.  Some  will  come  sticking  sharp 
instruments  into  their  chests  till  the  skin  is  turned 
black  and  blue,  others  have  chains  which  they  strike 
on  their  backs  till  their  bodies  are  covered  with  blood. 
This  continues  for  three  days.  In  the  meantime, 
priests  will  read  stories  of  the  chiefs.  Men,  women 
and  children  will  cry  bitterly.  Erom  the  third  day 
to  the  seventh  they  take  a flag  and  go  round  the  streets 
singing.  Every  housekeeper  will  give  a piece  of  silk 
to  decorate  the  flag. 

In  large  towns  the  company  is  divided  into  six  parts : 
I.  Band  of  music.  2.  Elag;  a hand  of  silver  or  zinc 
tied  on  the  top  of  it ; this  reminds  them  of  the  hand 
in  the  fire.  The  flag  is  also  decorated  in  all  colors. 
3.  Band  of  reading  men.  4.  Children  on  black  horses, 
all  dressed  in  black,  and  throwing  dust  on  their  heads. 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


43 


5.  Band  of  men  with  chains.  6.  A band  of  men 
dressed  in  white,  with  swords  in  their  hands,  with 
which  they  are  cutting  their  heads.  A man  walks  be- 
side each  one  holding  a stick  in  his  hand,  with  which 
he  prevents  them  from  cutting  deeply.  They  believe 
that  if  any  one  dies  on  that  day  he  will  at  once  go  to 
heaven.  No  Christian  can  be  around  the  streets  that 
day,  for  they  will  be  killed. 

These  bands  are  avowed  enemies,  and  will  fight  to 
show  how  it  was  in  olden  times. 


CHAPTER  V. 


PRINCIPALITIES  OF  THE  KORAN. 

The  book  of  Koran  is  divided  into  two  principal 
parts : 

First — The  passages  taken  from  the  Bible;  for  in- 
stance, John  the  Baptist  prophesied  of  the  coming  of 
Christ,  saying:  '‘He  that  cometh  before  me,  I am 
not  worthy  to  undo  the  straps  of  his  shoes.”  The  Mo- 
hammedans say  that  was  Christ  prophesying  of  the 
coming  of  Mohammed,  who  was  coming  after  him 
to  be  the  last  prophet.  Then  in  Revelation  it  speaks 
of  a woman  giving  birth  to  a child.  She  was  taken 
in  the  wilderness  and  fed  there,  and  the  child  was 
saved  from  his  enemy.  The  Mohammedans  say  that 
this  refers  to  the  birth  of  Mohammed.  There  are  also 
many  other  passages  which  they  take  as  referring 
to  Mohammed. 

Second — The  fairy  land,  which  gives  a picture  of  the 
life  in  heaven ; also  tells  how  to  live  on  earth  so  as 
to  reach  heaven.  All  of  these  teachings  are  strictly 
kept  by  those  who  profess  to  be  followers  of  Moham- 
med, and  especially  by  those  who  are  seeking  to  have 
the  spirit  of  prophecy.  They  must  abstain  from  all 
intoxicating  drink,  as  it  is  forbidden  in  their  law. 
They  must  also  refrain  from  pleasures,  expensive 
dress,  riches,  and  must  leave  all  such,  and  live  in  the 
wilderness  and  eat  herbs  and  wear  skin  clothing. 

There  are  few  who  strictly  keep  these  teachings. 
Others  live  like  Pharisees,  and  will  burden  the  people 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


45 


with  heavy  burdens,  while  they  themselves  will  not 
touch  work  of  any  kind,  but  will  act  cruelly  toward 
the  widows  and  orphans  in  order  to  increase  their  own 
riches  and  pleasures.  Others  will  live  lonely  lives — 
some  in  dry  wells,  eating  little  and  even  living  on 
opium  and  nuts.  After  a time  they  will  go  from  place 
to  place  with  skin  on  their  shoulders,  telling  stories 
and  singing,  followed  by  crowds  who  desire  to  hear 
their  wonderful  sayings.  When  they  have  been  using 
opium,  they  can  speak  more  cheerfully,  and  will  find 
themselves  masters  and  owners  of  great  cities ; but  this 
is  only  during  the  sweet  hour  of  their  own  intoxica- 
tion. They  are  rich  in  their  dreams,  but  poor  in  reality. 
They,  however,  continue  to  smoke  until  their  faces  are 
turned  yellow  as  straw,  and  there  is  no  strength  left 
in  their  bodies  so  they  cannot  do  any  work,  and  their 
only  desire  is  to  get  more  opium.  After  they  have 
used  it  two  or  three  years  there  is  little  hope  to  be  freed 
from  the  habit.  If  they  cannot  get  it,  they  will  fall 
down  almost  dead,  then  some  one  must  blow  it  in  the 
face  to  keep  them  alive. 

Others  will  go  from  town  to  town  dressed  in  white, 
with  an  axe  on  their  shoulders,  singing  in  a low  voice, 
to  show  that  they  are  coming.  If  any  one  asks  what 
it  means,  they  will  say,  '‘We  have  left  all,  and  are  liv- 
ing the  life  of  John  the  Baptist.  We  will  suffer  in 
this  world,  in  order  that  we  may  have  a better  life 
above.’’  They  believe  in  the  resurrection  and  a judg- 
ment day,  but  say  Patma  is  standing  at  the  gate  of 
heaven,  and  will  allow  all  the  Mohammedans  to  go 
in  across  the  bridge  of  hair,  but  she  will  push  aside 
every  Christian  who  goes  near  heaven.  I remember 
a Mohammedan  said  to  me  that  all  Christians  will  get 
lost  if  they  do  not  believe  in  Mohammed.  They  think 


46 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


that  his  wife  has  power  to  withstand  all  nations  who 
strive  to  enter  heaven.  A Syrian  said:  ^‘We  keep  our 
priests  and  monks  unmarried  to  have  courage  enough 
all  together  to  keep  Patma  away  from  her  place  and 
allow  all  Christians  to  go  in,  but  not  the  Mohamme- 
dans.’’ 

This  thought  is  very  strong  in  their  heads,  there- 
fore, they  say,  the  last  thought  of  Christians  is  against 
us.  When  anyone  dies,  a piece  of  wood  is  placed  un- 
der his  arms,  then  they  whisper  in  the  dead  man’s  ear : 
You  must  not  be  afraid,  but  stand  up  and  fight  against 
all  that  is  in  your  way.  Their  heavenly  hopes  are  to 
marry  fairies  and  have  greater  pleasure  there  than  in 
this  world.  The  dead  ones  are  transported  every  year 
to  Karbala  and  buried  there,  even  from  far  parts  of 
the  country ; it  does  not  make  any  dif¥erence  how 
far  it  is,  all  the  bones  must  be  carefully  packed  in  the 
boxes  and  tied  on  horses.  Crowds  of  men  every  year 
will  take  dry  bones.  It  is  very  pleasant  to  see  them 
marching  towards  that  place,  singing,  with  flags  on 
their  shoulders.  If  anyone  is  unable  to  fulfill  the  will 
of  his  parents  and  friends  by  sending  their  bones  to 
the  holy  place,  he  will  gather  all  the  bones  that  he 
can  carry  on  his  back  and  put  them  in  a large  box, 
and  tie  them  on  his  back  tightly,  and  walk  all  the 
way  to  that  place.  Sometimes  all  bones  are  crushed 
and  turned  to  dust,  but  they  will  not  mind  that,  if 
only  they  can  bury  the  part  that  is  left,  they  will  save 
their  friends  from  punishment,  to  everlasting  life.  Not 
only  will  the  bones  find  rest,  but  the  party  who  has 
taken  them  there,  will  have  a name  of  Kalba  or  Hagey. 
If  they  have  seen  other  national  places,  happy  and 
comforted  they  will  return  back  from  their  visit.  Who- 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


47 


ever  meets  them,  will  shake  hands  and  wish  to  see 
what  they  have  seen. 

Often  I met  groups  of  men  going  towards  those 
visiting  places.  They  were  tired  and  weary,  but 
smiles  and  cheer  were  in  their  faces.  They  were  glad 
to  undo  the  heavy  buidens  of  bones.  Their  greatest 
happiness  was  to  end  the  long  journey,  and  visit  the 
graves  of  some  of  the  olden  chiefs ; also  to  have  an 
image  of  clay  or  a wooden  comb  to  pray  on  it.  Every 
Mohammedan  must  have  one  of  these  images  in  his 
pocket  to  pray  to  and  to  worship.  Before  prayer  every 
one  must  wash  his  hands  and  face,  and  wet  his  toes 
and  head.  If  necessary  to  read  the  Koran,  it  must 
be  kissed  and  lifted  to  the  head  in  honor.  The  image 
is  then  laid  before  him  on  a colored  piece  of  silk.  The 
worshipper  kneels,  rises  six  times  during  each  prayer, 
lifting  his  hands  towards  his  ears,  saying:  'T  am  wit- 
nessing for  Mohammed,  the  only  prophet  of  God,’’  etc. 
Three  times  a day  prayers  are  said ; the  same  thing 
will  be  done  over  and  over  every  day  and  all  the  year 
around.  At  worship  time  if  there  are  pictures  or  other 
articles  on  the  wall,  prayer  will  not  come,  so  the  room 
must  be  empty.  If  a sword  or  any  sharp  article  is  on 
their  body,  it  must  be  laid  aside,  otherwise,  answer  to 
their  prayers  will  not  come.  When  traveling,  if  there 
is  no  water  in  which  to  wash,  they  will  take  dry  dust 
and  rub  it  on  their  faces  and  hands  instead  of  water. 
This  is  done  whenever  they  want  to  pray.  Often  they 
are  seen  kneeling  in  prayer  in  the  streets,  on  the  road, 
or  almost  anywhere  they  may  be  seen  praying,  espe- 
cially during  Ramazan,  the  month  of  fasting.  They 
are  sad-faced  and  downcast  in  their  appearance,  to 
show  they  are  praying  and  fasting.  Then  it  is  not 
safe  for  anyone  to  speak  twice  to  them. 


48 


MOHAMMED,  THE  EAST  PROPHET. 


This  fasting  is  done  just  like  the  mourning  for  their 
chiefs.  They  will  fast  all  day  and  eat  all  night;  will 
turn  day  into  night,  then  will  say,  ''We  are  fasting.’' 
If  someone  is  not  strong  enough  to  keep  it,  or  he  is 
traveling,  then  he  has  to  borrow  some  days  of  fasting 
and  make  up  for  it  when  he  is  strong  or  at  the  end 
of  his  journey. 

Fasting  is  kept  by  all  who  are  over  fifteen  years  of 
age,  and  is  for  all  the  nation.  At  the  end  of  the  fasting 
they  will  dye  their  fingers  and  toes  red,  because  fast- 
ing is  over,  and  it  is  time  for  them  to  be  free,  and  eat 
as  much  as  they  can.  Every  day  before  sunset  and 
sunrise  a cannon  is  fired  to  let  them  know  it  is  time 
for  fasting  and  time  to  eat.  At  the  end  of  the  month, 
about  fifty  cannon  or  more  are  fired  to  show  the  end. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


GOVERNMENT  RULES. 

Hundreds  of  kings  have  ruled  in  Persia  from  the 
time  of  Mohammed  until  today.  All  believe  in  him 
to  be  the  only,  the  last  prophet  of  God,  and  keep  his 
name  in  honor. 

Whenever  a case  is  brought  to  the  government,  at 
first  they  will  swear  by  Mohammed  and  the  Koran 
to  do  right  for  their  own  people,  if  possible,  but  not 
for  the  Christians  and  the  Jews ; consequently,  the 
nations  that  dwell  in  that  country  are  crying  for  jus- 
tice, but  there  is  none  to  hear.  If  a Mohammedan 
and  a Christian  or  a Jew  go  to  the  court  of  justice, 
the  Christian  or  Jew  will  be  fined  and  punished,  while 
the  Mohammedan  will  go  free.  Such  is  the  injustice 
and  cruelty  of  the  Mohammedans.  Often  we  have  a 
few  attacked  by  armed  men  who  enter  houses  and 
take  what  they  like.  No  one  dares  to  defend  him- 
self, for  he  will  be  punished  for  so  doing.  Some  of 
them,  however,  are  friendly  with  the  other  nations, 
and  will  ask  for  drink,  even  if  it  is  not  according  to 
their  law.  After  they  leave  the  house,  if  any  accident 
happen  to  them,  the  house  owner  is  to  blame.  Some- 
times they  will  fight  and  murder,  or  run  away  with 
one  of  a Christian  family.  They  will  escape  punish- 
ment by  giving  money  to  the  judge.  If  a Christian 
should  kill  one  of  them  accidentally  to  save  himself 
from  their  hands,  he  will  be  taken  to  the  prison.  They 
will  not  kill  him,  because  it  is  said  in  their  law  that 


50 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


they  must  not  cut  a Christian’s  neck ; they  will  ask 
him  to  believe  in  Mohammed  to  be  forgiven.  If  he 
says : '^1  witness  for  Mohammed  to  be  the  last  and 
true  prophet  of  God,”  and  is  circumcised,  then  he  will 
be  killed  according  to  Persian  law. 

Judges  are  placed  in  all  the  principal  towns  of  each 
district,  and  power  is  given  unto  them  to  punish  every 
man  for  his  acts.  The  ground  is  given  to  them ; this 
they  give  to  the  farmers  and  all  natives  to  toil,  half  of 
everything  being  returned  to  the  owners.  Hard  labor 
and  taxes  are  for  the  natives;  the  profits  and  gather- 
ings are  given  to  the  chiefs.  The  natives  have  to  pay 
taxes  for  each  member  of  their  families,  because  they 
are  alive,  even  if  one  of  them  is  sick  for  years  or  if 
in  a foreign  country,  the  parents  have  to  pay  his  taxes 
as  long  as  he  lives. 

In  some  parts  of  the  country  taxes  are  paid  for 
growing  trees.  Every  year  a certain  amount  of  money 
is  paid  for  each  tree  that  is  grown. 

Judges  will  rule  over  their  sections  for  some  years ; 
then  others  will  be  appointed  by  the  king.  Every  one 
of  them  will  act  cruel  during  his  time,  in  order  to  get 
money  from  the  natives.  Otherwise  they  do  not  care 
what  is  going  on  in  the  rough  parts  of  the  kingdom. 
A rich  man  will  buy  his  life  over  and  over  when  he  is 
under  judgment ; the  poor  have  the  severest  punish- 
ment. 

Once  when  one  of  the  judges  was  called  to  one  of 
the  districts,  he  said:  ^T  am  surprised;  every  man 
has  two  ears  and  hands  and  feet.  I wonder  what  kind 
of  ruler  has  been  in  this  part  that  people  are  not  pun- 
ished.” The  punishment  for  a murderer  is  to  have  his 
throat  cut,  or  to  be  blown  from  a large  cannon,  or 
shot  while  tied  to  a tree.  For  robbery  and  other  evil 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


51 


doings,  the  hands,  arms  or  ears  are  clipped  off,  or  to 
be  tied  to  a tree  and  ice  water  poured  on  his  feet, 
causing  intense  suffering.  Sometimes  his  nails  will 
fall  off,  causing  his  feet  to  bleed ; then  he  will  be  kept 
in  prison  for  a long  time.  By  these  cruelties  the  coun- 
try is  kept  in  good  order.  People  are  not  afraid  of 
sin,  but  of  punishment. 

Government  officers  and  servants  always  are  seek- 
ing to  find  out  cases  in  order  that  they  may  make  a 
living.  If  some  one  is  called  to  the  judgment,  he  must 
send  a sum  of  money  for  the  judge ; before  he  crosses 
the  gates  of  the  court  he  must  pay  some  money  to  the 
soldiers  and  door  keeper,  so  that  they  will  let  him 
walk  in ; until  he  is  to  face  the  judge,  he  must  keep  his 
hand  in  his  pocket  to  give  and  satisfy  all  servants 
and  employes  who  speak  for  him.  If  the  chief  is 
pleased  with  his  offer  he  will  bid  him  to  have  a seat. 
But  if  the  opposite  party  has  paid  more,  then  the  first 
one  has  to  pay  still  more,  or  get  the  punishment. 
Sometimes  both  parties  will  give  their  last  cent  to  win, 
and  at  last  lay  in  prison,  unable  to  pass  the  judgment. 
When  the  town  is  small,  or  if  the  case  is  great,  red 
fingered  and  naked  headed  priests  will  join  one  of  the 
parties  to  help ; but,  if,  again,  there  is  no  satisfaction, 
they  will  start  for  larger  towns.  Sometimes  cases  are 
carried  from  town  to  town,  till  at  last  both  parties  have 
to  be  present  at  king’s  judgment. 

Soldiers  march  from  the  king’s  palace  to  the  court 
house,  bands  of  men  dressed  in  red  with  canes  in  their 
hands,  to  prepare  and  keep  the  streets  in  order.  At 
length  the  king  sits  on  a golden  throne  in  picok’s 
image.  All  stand  around  him  in  silence.  On  his  right 
and  left  are  bands  of  men,  some  with  swords  in  their 
hands,  some  with  guns  on  their  shoulders,  some  with 


52 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


ropes  and  iron  hooks  in  their  hands ; all  ready,  when- 
ever the  command  is  given  by  the  king,  to  inflict  pun- 
ishment. The  sight  is  dreadful.  Both  parties  have 
to  wear  tight  clothes  under  their  long  garments.  They 
are  trembling  and  shaking  as  they  enter  the  place. 

I knew  a chief  from  the  district  of  Aderbajan  who 
went  to  Teheran  to  tell  the  king  of  the  cruelties  that 
were  done  by  the  other  chiefs  in  his  district.  After 
spending  a fortune  he  enabled  himself  to  be  present 
at  the  king's  judgment.  The  sight  gave  him  fears 
and  chills.  He  was  asked  several  questions  by  the 
king  as  to  the  rules  of  his  district.  He  bowed  and 
said:  ^'Your  honor,  I was  sick  at  that  time."  Many 
will  say:  ''Whenever  I am  present  at  the  judgment, 
I can  speak  without  any  fear."  But  when  the  time 
comes,  the  men  of  ability  are  dumb  to  speak.  There- 
fore, only  few  cases  are  known  to  the  king  himself. 
Chiefs  and  judges  look  after  all  judgments.  So  in  far 
districts  of  the  country,  where  there  are  small  towns 
and  villages,  Kurds  and  Turks  attack  caravans  and 
rob ; then  they  will  flee  to  secure  themselves  in  their 
rocky  homes.  The  government  is  unable  to  bring 
them  down  for  punishment.  They  do  not  pay  any 
taxes ; nor  do  they  obey  any  rules,  but  live  a rough 
life  in  the  mountains. 

In  the  large  towns,  people  live  peacefully ; there 
is  not  a single  policeman  in  the  streets  during  day- 
time till  ten  o'clock  at  night.  Thereafter  no  one  is 
allowed  to  be  out.  If  necessary  to  go,  he  must  have 
a lantern  in  hand  and  a soldier  to  guide  him.  The 
party  must  also  know  the  name  of  the  night,  as  a name 
is  given  for  every  night  and  kept  in  secret  from  the 
public,  being  known  only  to  the  police  and  govern- 
inent  officers.  If  anyone  is  out  at  night,  he  must  be 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET.  53 

taken  for  a thief  and  kept  in  prison  for  a time,  till  he 
is  known  to  be  a good  man.  That  is  the  only  way 
to  keep  public  order.  Sometimes  we  do  not  hear  of 
a crime  in  those  towns  for  a year  or  more. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


LIFE  IN  GENERAL. 

Every  Mohammedan  says:  'T  have  my  prophet 
from  God.  I am  in  fellowship  with  those  that  have 
spiritual  knowledge  of  the  Almighty.  I serve 
the  prophet  greater  than  the  angels,  for  the  angels 
were  forbidden  to  enter  the  presence  of  God.  Mo- 
hammed had  an  invitation  to  be  the  guest  of  God  for 
supper.  He  went  millions  of  miles  from  earth  to  the 
seventh  heaven.  No  angel  or  power  could  do  it  in 
a long  time.  But  he  flew  it  in  a few  minutes.  He  has 
power  above  all ; heavenly  powers  and  prophets  serve 
him  and  bow  obediently  to  his  honor.  Our  chiefs  and 
religious  leaders  have  been  holy  and  perfect  on  earth, 
and  there  is  nothing  else  to  blame  us  for.  Our  lead- 
ers’ righteous  works  have  made  us  free  to  fly  above 
and  eat  and  drink  joyfully  in  heavenly  mansions.  So 
we  follow  them  from  the  heart.  Our  home  life,  our 
law,  our  social  life  are  all  taken  from  our  books,  which 
are  taught  and  kept  faithfully.  Therefore,  we  say, 
We  are  the  only  people  to  enter  heaven.” 

Boys  and  girls  are  sent  to  school  to  learn  how  to 
read  the  Koran.  During  school  all  will  read  in  loud 
voices,  swinging  their  bodies  to  and  fro.  There  is 
nothing  else  taught  them,  beside  reading  a few  of 
their  books.  When  the  time  is  over,  they  are  seen 
swearing  and  cursing  to  one  another.  Anyone  that 
gives  a present  to  the  teacher  will  be  the  first  in  the 
class. 


55 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


The  little  ones  will  become  worse  and  worse  as  they 
grow  to  be  men.  They  have  no  self-respect  and  do 
not  honor  others,  but  use  bad  language,  because  there 
is  none  to  advise  and  bring  them  to  the  right  way. 
Therefore,  seldom  do  we  see  among  them  men  of  abil- 
ity and  wisdom,  because  from  childhood  they  have 
been  brought  up  in  the  wrong  way.  They  will  not 
travel  in  foreign  countries,  nor  will  they  graduate  from 
educational  institutions.  Few  of  them  have  seen  coun- 
tries near  by,  because  their  law  will  not  allow  them  to 
live  with  Christian  nations.  Today  their  country  i^ 
very  backward.  Few  of  them  have  ever  seen  a rail- 
road or  steamship;  yet  they  say:  ^'We  have  wisdom 
and  understanding.’’  If  their  children  could  be  sent 
to  different  places  to  learn,  I am  sure,  in  a little  time, 
that  country  would  equal  any  other  country  in  the 
world.  But  we  cannot  rebuild  their  heads  and  take 
out  all  the  idle  hopes,  and  give  them  a little  sight  in 
their  eyes.  Though  blind  and  foolish,  they  are  wise 
and  perfect  in  their  own  eyes.  They  are  raised  to  be 
farmers  and  carpet  makers.  Girls  only  know  how  to 
read  the  Koran  and  pray.  They  will  learn  how  to 
paint  their  fingers  and  toes,  and  then,  with  a little 
knowledge  of  housework  and  cooking,  are  ready  to 
be  married. 

In  ancient  times  Soni  and  Shia  kept  far  from  one 
another  in  separate  tribes ; but  in  modern  times  they 
are  mixed.  They  must  keep  silent  and  not  arouse 
their  enemies  to  anger. 

In  Persia  most  of  the  population  belongs  to  Shia. 
Most  of  Turkey  is  under  Soni.  Arabia  and  some  other 
countries  of  Asia  are  ruled  by  both  these  tribes,  how- 
ever. The  writer,  being  much  more  interested  in  the 
Persians,  his  heart  is  drawn  to  that  dreary  country 


56 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


and  blind  nation ; much  more  to  their  beautiful  cli^ 
mate.  The  cheerful  breezes  of  the  mountains  and 
hills  gives  beauty  to  nature  and  health  to  all.  Salt 
lakes  and  snowy  districts  remind  weak  humanity  of 
the  Creator  of  nature.  Bright  summer,  with  the  blue 
sky  and  still  air  give  opportunities  to  study  elements 
of  above.  Ancient  towers  and  palaces  bring  back  to 
memory  the  history  ef  centuries  during  which  great 
battles  have  been  fought  and  nations  divided.  Aged 
men,  with  an  innocent  look  in  their  faces,  will  com- 
pare past  and  present  centuries,  surprised  at  the 
changes. 

During  my  travels,  I was  astonished  to  see  natives 
in  good  health  and  long  life,  but  disappointed  to  see 
them  not  masters  of  wisdom,  even  not  able  to  get 
riches  out  of  their  mines. 

Natives  are  kept  busy  making  carpets  by  hand,  such 
as  Persian  carpets,  and  cashmeres,  which  are  known  to 
be  the  best  in  the  world. 

Houses  and  markets  are  covered  with  arches  from 
one  end  to  the  other,  to  keep  out  rain  and  snow.  Most 
of  the  people  are  dark  and  healthy.  The  men  wear 
long  garments  and  hats,  while  the  women  have  black 
garments  covering  their  body.  No  one  sees  their  faces 
and  hands,  as  this  is  forbidden  in  their  law.  The  coun- 
try is  mild  and  beautiful,  and  all  kinds  of  fruits  and 
vegetables  are  grown,  such  as  grapes,  wheat,  corn, 
rice,  tobacco,  tea,  cof¥ee,  etc.,  etc.  Living  is  cheap 
and  good.  The  poor  can  live  on  a few  cents  a day. 
They  earn  about  twenty  cents  a day.  Some  of  them 
pay  rent,  buy  food,  and  are  able  to  save.  They  have 
flocks  of  sheep,  camels,  horses,  oxen,  etc.  These  are 
used  for  work  and  food.  There  are  no  railroads,  so 
horses,  camels  and  mules  are  used  to  take  the  place 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


57 


of  trains.  Oxen  are  used  to  plow  the  ground  and  do 
hard  work.  They  also  have  such  unexpected  visitors 
as  wolves,  bears,  tigers,  lions,  etc.  These  animals  live 
in  the  woods  and  mountains,  and  only  come  down 
when  there  is  nothing  for  them  to  eat  in  their  native 
haunts.  The  natives  are  often  attacked  by  wild  ani- 
mals that  come  down  in  the  country  and  villages  to 
hunt  for  cattle  and  children.  In  the  summer  the  na- 
tives live  on  the  tops  of  houses,  and  during  the  night 
a child  may  be  taken  by  a wolf,  even  if  it  is  in  a high 
place.  That,  however,  is  not  done  often.  During  my 
residence  in  that  country,  about  two  hundred  children 
were  eaten  by  animals. 

Some  parts  of  the  country  are  rough  and  dreary ; 
others  are  peaceful  and  pleasant.  In  most  of  the  wild 
districts  natives  are  happy  and  contented.  They  do 
not  mind  fear,  but  say  if  we  suffer  and  live  cheerfully, 
it  does  not  make  any  difference  to  our  upright  works. 
They  are  not  guilty  in  their  own  sight,  saying,  ''We 
Mohammedans  are  true,  and  righteous  works  are 
ours.'’  If  purified,  the  very  foundation  is  on  sand. 
Whenever  they  are  to  be  tried,  or  a question  is  too 
hard  to  be  answered,  they  are  ready  to  deny  all  and 
take  a shelter  under  the  wings  of  Takua  (the  changeful 
law),  as  is  learned  from  olden  times.  Whenever  they 
are  under  the  judgment  of  punishment,  they  will  take 
refuge  in  a maschet,  or  enter  the  house  of  a priest  for 
defense.  There  is  no  one  in  power  to  take  the  pris- 
oner out,  but  his  punishment  will  be  changed  to  for- 
giveness. Only  when  a case  is  strong  will  armed  men 
use  the  sword  of  force.  The  priests  are  known  to  have 
power  to  undo  and  enforce  the  law.  They  profess  to 
be  the  followers  of  the  leader.  They  also  give  permis- 
sion to  any  man  to  marry  as  many  women  as  he  can 


58  MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 

keep,  from  one  to  five  hundred  or  more.  Marriage 
is  performed  by  saying  a few  words  from  the  Koran. 
Some  will  have  a wife  today  and  let  her  go  next  day ; 
it  costs  them  only  a few  dollars.  Workingmen  will 
have  up  to  seven  wives,  while  rich  men  will  marry  as 
many  as  he  can,  and  keep  them  far  from  one  another. 
But  they  can  never  see  the  women  until  they  are  mar- 
ried to  them.  Whether  they  get  an  ugly  or  pretty  wife 
is  altogether  a matter  of  chance.  The  mother  of  the 
young  man  will  go  to  see  if  the  intended  bride  has 
small  hands  and  feet,  and  then  will  tell  the  bridegroom 
to  wait  till  the  time  of  the  wedding. 

There  is  something  more  curious  in  the  law  of  mar- 
riage. The  women  believe  that  everyone  of  them 
must  be  married  whether  young  or  old,  otherwise, 
if  they  die  they  will  be  lost ; marriage  will  save  the 
soul.  According  to  that  law,  a man  will  have  all  kinds 
of  wives,  some  eighteen  or  twenty  years  of  age,  and 
others  nearly  as  old  as  his  grandmother.  That  is  done 
only  to  bring  the  old  under  the  law  of  life. 

Sometimes  he  will  have  children  from  several  of 
them ; then  trouble  begins.  The  older  one  will  try 
to  kill  or  poison  the  other’s  child.  So  every  one  of 
them  will  try  to  win  the  husband.  Fathers  are  unable 
to  kiss  their  own  child,  for  fear  he  would  awake  the 
anger  of  the  others.  If  life  becomes  too  bitter,  then 
some  of  them  are  separated.  It  does  not  make  any 
difference  to  them  if  they  are  old,  for  they  will  marry 
someone  else,  even  though  they  have  but  a few  weeks 
to  live,  for  they  want  to  die  under  the  marriage  li- 
cense. Many  become  brides  in  their  old  age.  Once 
in  every  few  years  they  wear  the  red  clothes  of  a 
bride.  If  they  are  not  able  to  keep  themselves  on  a 
horse  on  that  day,  a man  on  either  side  will  help 


Mohammed,  the  Last  propheL.  59 

her  and  walk  all  the  way,  and  will  not  let  her  fall. 
Money,  raisins  and  almonds  are  thrown  on  her  head 
to  show  the  sign  of  happiness.  A water  basin  is 
turned  upside  down  soon  after  she  leaves  the  house 
of  her  parents  or  friends,  as  a sign  of  good  luck. 
Guns  and  revolvers  are  fired  as  reminders  of  that  day. 

On  the  opposite  side,  the  bridegroom  and  his  friends 
stand  on  a high  place,  throwing  apples  at  the  bride. 
Soon  after  a few  words  are  said  by  a priest  (or  molah) 
to  witness  the  marriage,  the  bridegroom  will  be  able 
to  see  the  face  of  his  wife.  This  kind  of  wedding  is 
done  for  the  young  people,  or  for  those  that  wish  to 
live  together  till  death  parts  them. 

For  some  reason  they  consider  that  woman  is  not 
equal  to  man;  therefore,  women  are  not  engaged  in 
business  except  those  that  have  no  friends  and  are 
poor.  Women  are  not  taken  for  witnesses  in  any  case, 
but  are  obedient  to  men,  and  are  not  allowed  to  speak 
or  associate  with  other  men.  She  is  unable  to  see  male 
friends  of  her  husband,  and  to  show  her  face  is  for- 
bidden. She  can  only  see  her  father,  brother  and 
husband.  It  is  an  important  rule  in  their  law  to  take 
care  of  the  women;  they  do  not  allow  them  to  earn 
their  living;  they  do  not  want  them  to  gain  liberty 
and  speak  to  strangers,  so  they  keep  them  at  home. 
But  the  men  work.  I wish  other  countries  would  fol- 
low this  rule ; then  we  would  not  see  our  young  peo- 
ple serving  the  devil.  It  also  gives  an  opportunity  to 
lead  lives  of  purity.  Girls  and  young  men  marry  at  a 
very  young  age,  and,  therefore,  are  kept  from  the 
streets.  If  all  the  rules  of  the  Mohammedans  are  not 
correct,  there  are  a few  things  we  can  learn  from 
them.  Also,  I write,  not  to  hate  them,  but  to  give  a 


60  MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 

strong  will  to  our  Christians  to  look  after  the  lost 
ones.  They  think  they  are  right ; but  we  must  guide 
then  to  a better  life. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


SOCIAL  DUTIES. 

All  Christian  nations  are  considered  animals  by  the 
Mohammedans.  No  honor  or  any  compliment  is  given 
to  anyone  out  of  their  circle.  When  they  meet  each 
other,  they  say,  “Peace  unto  you.’’  But  on  meeting 
any  Christian  or  Jew,  they  use  a different  greeting, 
to  show  he  is  not  one  of  them.  They  always  try  to 
turn  people  to  their  own  faith.  If  anyone  asks  : “How 
can  I believe  in  your  religion,  when  you  do  not  let 
me  touch  your  Koran  or  allow  me  to  learn  your  wor- 
ship rules?”  they  say:  “It  is  our  duty  to  keep  away 
from  you  as  long  as  you  are  a Christian,  because  you 
are  not  clean  enough  to  take  our  holy  book  in  your 
hands.  Confess  in  the  name  of  Mohammed  and  be 
circumcised.  Then  you  can  come  near  us  and  know 
about  our  doings.” 

Some  are  different  from  the  others,  in  that  they  do 
not  care  much  for  their  own  teachings.  They  have 
lived  near  Christian  families  from  childhood.  There- 
fore, they  are  not  strict  in  their  own  faith.  But  the 
men  who  stand  for  their  nation  are  those  that  keep 
the  commandments  of  the  leader ; are  the  men  of 
power  and  ability  in  all  things.  Even  royal  members 
cannot  work  against  their  will,  because  they  have 
most  of  the  population  under  their  hands ; and  if  they 
wish  they  can  destroy  all  the  royal  rules,  and  do  what 
they  please.  They  make  the  law,  and  it  is  forbidden 
by  them  to  associate  with  the  other  nations.  When 


62 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


the  English  tobacco  company  bought  the  tobacco 
works  of  Persia,  and  it  was  turned  into  their  hands, 
the  religious  leaders  were  afraid  that  they  would  be 
the  cause  of  leading  their  people  near  Christianity. 
It  was  therefore  forbidden  by  them  to  smoke,  and 
throughout  the  entire  country  that  law  was  kept. 
None  of  them  could  be  seen  smoking,  till  the  Eng- 
lish gave  up  their  management.  Whatever  is  for- 
bidden by  them  is  law  and  must  be  kept;  if  not,  it 
means  trouble. 

They  say:  ‘Tf  we  sit  in  the  room  with  Christians 
or  Jews,  and  breathe  the  same  air,  it  will  make  us  un- 
clean. If  we  touch  their  clothes  or  walk  on  their  car- 
pet on  a rainy  day,  they  must  be  washed  several  times 
to  be  clean.  If  we  eat  or  drink  from  their  dishes,  they 
must  be  broken  or  washed  several  times  to  be  made 
clean.’’  Whenever  there  is  a rainy  day  and  a Chris- 
tian goes  near  them,  they  must  pray  and  wash  to  be 
clean  again ; or’  if  someone  touches  the  fruit  or  food, 
it  must  be  bought  or  thrown  out ; of  course,  he  must 
pay  for  it,  anyway.  Dear  reader,  just  imagine  and 
think  if  you  would  like  to  live  in  that  country.  We 
love  God;  therefore,  we  have  to  work  for  them  and 
bring  them  near  the  Gospel. 

They  say:  ^^We  are  not  unclean  to  other  nations, 
but  they  are  unclean  to  us ; therefore,  it  shows  we  are 
right,  perfect,  and  clean.” 

Only  the  tribe  of  Shia  have  these  thoughts.  DifYer- 
ent  tribes  that  are  separated  from  them  are  not  so 
strict.  The  Kurds,  fire  worshippers,  another  branch, 
do  not  believe  they  are  the  sons  of  Adam,  but  the 
children  of  Satan.  All  these  tribes  are  sociable  and 
live  with  Christians  and  Jews.  Mohammedanism  is 
divided  into  many  tribes  and  characters,  but  the  tribe 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


63 


of  Shia  is  the  worst  of  all ; and  they  have  the  greatest 
population  of  Persia. 

Jews,  Armenians  and  Syrians  dwell  in  that  country. 
There  are  a good  many  American  and  English  mis- 
sionaries working  for  these  nations,  but  Mohamme- 
danism is  the  greatest  enemy  of  Christianity.  Foreign 
workers  cannot  do  very  well  for  that  belief.  This  is 
the  nation  I have  set  my  heart  on,  to  bring  it  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  Gospel.  Other  nations  know  the 
salvation  and  have  their  own  preachers  and  schools, 
and  also  have  foreign  help  for  their  work,  but  few 
have  taken  the  responsibility  and  interest  to  work  for 
that  lost  nation.  Indeed,  death  and  danger  are  before 
them  who  enter  upon  their  work,  but  the  love  for  the 
poor  souls  must  give  us  courage  to  die  if  need  be 
for  the  cause  of  Christ.  The  dove  was  sent  from  the 
ark,  and  returned  with  a leaf.  So  each  loving  heart 
should  bring  one  of  the  Mohammedans  into  the  ark 
of  God,  or  at  least  be  a little  help  to  those  who  have 
taken  responsibility  and  sacrificed  their  lives  for  that 
service.  Otherwise,  we  are  no  different  from  them. 

We  know  they  are  blind  in  sin.  We  know  their  hopes 
are  idle ; also,  we  can  see  them  stumbling  and  falling 
down.  Let  each  one  ask  in  his  heart,  '‘What  is  my 
duty  toward  the  lost  ones?’’  They  are  trying  to  en- 
large their  multitude  of  followers.  They  say  the  sword 
is  the  key  of  the  Kingdom  of  God.  But  we  say  Christ 
Jesus  is  the  door  and  shepherd.  They  kill  and  make 
people  turn  to  their  faith.  But  we  pray  with  the  lost 
soul.  They  are  angry  and  cruel  toward  us ; but  we 
love  our  enemies.  They  laugh  and  shake  their  heads 
scornfully  at  our  Book  of  Life,  but  we  shed  tears, 
pray  and  minister  unto  them,  to  give  them  bread  and 
water  from  above. 


64 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


Of  all  the  nations  in  the  country  of  Persia,  the 
Syrians  are  the  ones  who  hear  most  readily  the  voice 
of  foreign  messengers.  In  the  olden  times  thousands 
of  them  were  killed  by  the  Mohammedans  for  the 
sake  of  righteousness.  Through  perils  and  fears  they 
passed  from  country  to  country  to  witness  the  name 
of  God.  Even  now  stones  are  found  in  China  and 
Japan  in  the  Syriac  language,  which  witnesses  to  their 
faith  and  trust  in  the  Almighty.  At  first,  when  mis- 
sionaries went  to  teach  that  nation,  parents  would  ask 
for  money  to  send  their  children  to  school.  After  re- 
ceiving the  Gospel,  it  changed  even  their  faces  to  be 
brighter  and  happier.  I am  pleased  to  say,  in  these 
times,  there  is  no  home  without  the  Bible ; nor  a 
family  without  the  worship.  They  have  had  many 
men  of  the  knowledge  of  theology;  many  of  them 
have  been  eager  to  learn  more  and  more  of  the  wisdom 
and  truth.  The  samples  of  manuscript  on  skins  and 
leaves,  of  their  work,  is  left  till  today.  The  work  of 
their  Bible  students  is  known  among  many  nations — 
how  they  spent  their  lives  in  caves  to  write  and  grow 
in  the  true  life.  They  had  severe  persecutions  from 
the  Mohammedans ; great  numbers  of  them  were 
slain  because  they  taught  the  Gospel.  As  Mohamme- 
dans grew  in  power,  they  tried  to  stop  the  truth  of 
Christianity. 

The  brave  soldiers  fled  to  the  mountains  to  save 
their  lives,  where  they  kept  their  minds  busy  on  the 
Gospel  work,  translating  and  writing  books  for  ex- 
planation of  the  Bible ; to  make  it  simple  for  weak 
minds  of  Syrians  and  Nestorians.  They  had  no  de- 
sire for  pleasures  and  riches,  but  were  friends  of  the 
poor  and  needy.  They  were  willing  to  leave  all  world- 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


65 


ly  holdings  and  keep  in  quiet  places  to  prepare  for  the 
good  service. 

The  story  of  St.  John  has  given  me  great  zeal  to 
follow  Christian  duties,  and  hope  it  will  be  a good  ex- 
ample to  my  readers. 

The  youngest  son  of  a wealthy  family,  honored  more 
than  his  brothers,  because  of  his  interest  in  Christian 
work ; the  coming  of  one  who  had  the  desire  to  visit 
and  worship  in  holy  places,  which  gave  more  humble 
spirit  to  the  young  lad.  He  often  visited  his  friend 
and  learned  from  him  more  knowledge  of  the  Gospel. 
His  visits  and  conversations  gave  him  an  idea  that 
his  friend  spends  most  of  his  time  at  prayer  and  sup- 
plication to  God.  It  touched  the  young  man’s  heart ; 
he  wept  at  the  thought  of  a new  life,  saying  all  the 
pleasures  of  this  world  pass  away  like  the  grass  of  the 
field.  His  young  heart  sighed  bitterly  for  a change  in 
life.  Tearfully  he  asked  the  prayers  of  his  friend ; 
might  God  hear  the  voices  of  both  and  give  His  spirit 
to  comfort  his  soul.  Entering  his  mother’s  room,  he 
asked  that  a Bible  be  written  for  him.  He  studied  it 
for  a long  time,  and  committed  it  to  memory.  His 
friend  departed,  but  promised  to  come  back  again 
when  his  journey  was  ended  in  peace.  The  time  of 
waiting  seemed  so  long  that  St.  John  felt  as  if  it  would 
never  come. 

The  news  from  his  friend  took  the  sorrow  from  his 
heart.  Greeting  him,  he  said:  “Your  coming  is  life 
to  my  soul.” 

For  days  and  weeks  they  lived  happily  together. 
As  they  went  to  the  seashore,  St.  John  threw  himself 
on  the  ground,  saying:  “I  trust  thee  in  living  God ; be 
of  a little  help  to  me,  and  save  me  from  this  world ; to 
follow  thee  and  be  a brother  unto  thee,  as  is  my  desire 


66 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


to  be  a servant  of  Christ.  If  thou  should  refuse  me, 
I am  afraid  the  world  will  take  me  to  herself,  as  the 
will  of  my  parents  is  for  me  to  be  in  the  world,  and 
live  with  whom  it  loves.’'  He,  however,  followed  his 
friend  and  crossed  the  sea,  to  where  his  brother  had 
lived  before  with  753  brethren,  who  had  left  the  world, 
and  separated  themselves  from  the  life  of  the  flesh, 
fo  be  ready  for  the  good  service  of  their  Master. 

The  chief  looked  at  St.  John,  and  said:  ''My 
brother,  thou  art  noble.  Our  fellowship  is  more  than 
you  can  undertake.  But,  stay  with  us  and  see  our 
hardships ; then  choose  for  thyself — if  to  go,  or  to 
remain  with  us.”  The  young  man  cried,  and  said: 
"Ye  give  strength  unto  me,  because  I am*  Weak.  By 
the  prayers  of  you  all,  let  me  enter  the  flock  of  your 
Saviour,  that  He  may  also  be  my  Saviour. 

The  753  united  in  prayer  to  ask  their  God  to  help 
the  young  soldier,  who  had  left  all  his  riches  in  order 
to,  serve  God,  his  salvation.  The  next  six  years  he 
grew  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Gospel.  But  hardships 
and  self-denial  changed  the  beauty  of  his  face.  From 
a happy  home  and  loving  parents,  he  came  to  live  in  a 
small  room,  poor  in  worldly  goods,  though  rich  in 
Jesus,  to  follow  the  humble  example  of  the  King  of 
Kings,  who  made  himself  poor  for  our  sake,  to  be 
rich  in  everlasting  life. 

vSome  of  his  boyhood  friends  visited  him  but  found 
his  former  beauty  of  face  and  form  gone.  He  said : 
"I  am  but  dust,  and  will  return  to  dust.”  All  glorified 
God  for  his  courage  and  asked  the  Maker  of  all  to 
give  health  to  his  body  and  help  to  his  soul,  saying: 
"Brother,  God  be  with  thee,  and  bless  thee  according 
to  His  ancient  law,  which  kept  all  who  trusted  in 
Him.”  He  answered:  "The  cause  of  all  this  change 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


67 


is  my  sins.  My  cross  is  too  heavy  for  me.  Only 
Jesus  Himself  can  be  my  rest  and  salvation.  His  yoke 
will  give  me  peace  and  comfort.’’ 

The  enemy  of  our  race  worked  on  his  heart,  to  turn 
him,  and  bring  to  his  mind  the  love  of  all  whom  he 
had  left  for  years.  ^^What  do  thou  want  from  me? 
The  father  of  ungodly,  I know  thy  evil  will.  Thou 
deceived  our  first  parents  and  kept  them  out  of  Para- 
dise. Remember  that  Jesus  pursued  thee.  He  will 
)3e  my  help  and  will  push  thee  aside.  Thou  have 
turned  me  to  the  love  of  my  friends.  I will  go  to  them, 
but  thou  will  be  ashamed  to  not  fulfill  thy  will.” 

He,  however,  departed  for  his  home.  All  were  sur- 
prised at  his  noble  looks.  They  praised  God  for  such 
a great  change  in  his  appearance. 

They  mourned  for  their  dear  brother,  wishing  him 
to  end  his  journey  in  peace.  They  kissed  him  and 
blessed  him.  He  lifted  his  eyes  to  heaven.  '‘Father, 
and  God  of  all  fathers  from  beginning.  Comforter  of 
all  who  trustedyin  Thee.  Give  me  Thy  good  will,  and 
be  with  me  wherever  I go,  to  please  Thee  and  follow 
Thee  in  faith.” 

He  entered  the  house  of  his  parents,  but  like  a 
stranger,  not  knowing  any  of  his  friends.  In  a short 
time  he  saw  his  parents,  but  they  did  not  recognize 
him.  The  sight  of  so  much  pleasure  gave  him  sad 
feelings  towards  those  whom  he  loved.  A little  room 
was  given  to  him  by  the  servants,  and  he  was  fed 
on  the  crumbs  from  the  table  of  his  parents. 

Often  his  mother  turned  her  face  from  him ; she 
did  not  know  he  was  her  beloved  son ; for  his  sake 
she  shed  many  tears.  He  lived  four  years  in  the  little 
room.  At  last  he  felt  the  days  were  near  to  see  his 
Saviour  in  glory,  and  he  was  under  the  shadow  of 


68 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


death ; that  within  a few  days  he  might  depart  for  a 
new  life.  Then  he  sent  for  his  parents,  and  told  them 
he  was  their  lost  son,  and  slept  in  Jesus. 

In  ancient  times  many  would  leave  their  homes  and 
live  in  caves  to  study.  After  a few  years  they  would 
go  back,  but  like  strangers.  They  said,  ''Our  Saviour 
was  rich,  but  had  no  place  to  lay  his  head.  So  we 
leave  our  riches  to  follow  His  example.'' 

Dear  reader,  you  and  I can  live  Christian  lives  and 
study  our  Bible  at  home.  Christ  does  not  ask  us  to 
leave  all.  He  does,  indeed,  ask  us  to  leave  all  our 
sins  and  selfish  hearts,  to  follow  Him  in  greater  pleas- 
ure, to  hear  the  cry  of  all  who  are  crying  for  the  bread 
of  life,  and  to  share  with  Him  in  all  that  we  have.  We 
can  do  it  while  we  are  at  home.  Whenever  it  is  His 
will,  go  and  minister  unto  them  who  have  not  heard 
the  Gospel  calls.  Then  we  must  hear  His  voice,  be- 
cause He  is  for  our  good,  at  home  or  abroad. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS. 

Every  individual  Christian  knoweth  Mohammedan- 
ism is  lost,  if  not  turned  to  the  light  of  the  Gospel.  It 
is  a great  field  for  us  to  labor,  and  it  is  dangerous, 
too.  We  must  ask  our  Father  to  send  faithful  workers 
for  the  field,  not  afraid  even  of  death,  to  depart  them 
from  the  love  of  God.  To  give  their  lives  for  the  serv- 
ice of  the  truth.  We  must  not  say,  'Tf  God  wants  to 
convert  the  heathen.  He  can  do  it  without  us.'’  You 
and  me  are  the  very  persons  to  do  great  work  in  His 
name’s  sake.  All  sons  and  daughters  of  the  world 
are  suffering  for  an  earthly  home.  The  dark  clouds 
have  covered  their  spiritual  sight.  Some  of  them  un- 
derstand the  difference  between  right  and  wrong ; 
but  their  hearts  are  tightly  closed.  No  windows  are 
to  be  seen  for  the  God’s  sunlight  to  turn  their  night 
to  day,  nevertheless.  They  are  in  the  deep  sleep  of 
nature.  They  will  awake  when  the  shadows  of  death 
are  in  their  path.  Then  they  will  hide  their  faces  in 
shame  for  not  seeing  the  glory  of  the  One  whom  they 
served  not  on  the  earth.  Then  every  one  of  them  will 
know  that  the  wrath  of  God  is  upon  them.  I can  say : 
'Those  who  are  wise  and  look  upon  themselves,  are 
much  more  worse  than  the  Mohammedans,  because 
they  cannot  do  any  better  without  Gospel  agents.” 
All  these  races  of  mankind  say  we  are  all  right,  but 
you  and  me  say  they  are  wrong.  By  asking  some 
questions  and  hearing  the  answers,  then  we  will  know 


70 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


if  this  class  of  people  are  doing  right,  as  between  Mo- 
hammedan and  Christian. 

Christian — Good  morning,  my  friend  Mohamme- 
dan. Where  are  you  coming  from? 

Mohammedan — I am  coming  from  a visit  to^my 
prophet’s  grave,  which  is  the  last  prophet,  and  God 
vSpake  to  him  to  lead  us,  his  people,  in  the  fellowship 
of  God.  ^ 

Christian — That  Mohammed  who  slew  thousands  \ 
of  innocent  Christians?  j 

Mohammedan — He  had  zeal  of  his  people ; and  to 
make  his  book  to  be  read  by  all,  because  it  was  sent  | 
from  God.  j 

Mohammedan — Well,  Christian,  where  are  you 
coming  from? 

Christian — I am  coming  from  the  hill  of  Calvary 
and  grace  of  God,  through  His  Son,  Jesus  Christ. 

Mohammedan — He  was  not  the  Son  of  God.  If  he 
were,  no  one  could  kill  Him.  But  He  died,  and  will 
never  be  seen. 

Christian — He  is  a king  today  and  forever ; there 

will  never  be  an  end  to  His  kingdom ; and  he  is  alive  [ 

forever.  Also,  He  has  called  us  brethren,  and  all  who  / 

do  not  believe  in  Him  will  be  lost.  j 

Mohammedan — How  am  I to  know  He  was  the  ' 

Son  of  God,  and  died  to  save  all  the  world,  as  you  say,  I 

and  raised  from  the  grave,  as  I have  never  heard  such  ’ 

things  before,  and  gave  salvation  to  all  that  believe  in 

Him?  And  you  say  He  is  alive  in  heaven  today,  and 

forever  ; also,  you  say  He  will  come  back  again.  ji 

Christian — Here  is  the  book,  the  Bible ; read  it  and  1 

see  if  you  have  read  such  a book  before.  And  see  i'l 

...  < * 
life  eternal  in  it.  I am  sure  you  will  like  all  His  teach-  ’ , 

ings  better  than  Mohammed’s.  It  tells  us  to  be  loving,  j 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


71 


faithful,  true  to  God,  to  love  our  enemies,  and  forgive 
all  that  have  sinned  against  us.  Altogether  it  is  full  of 
blessings  and  life ; much  more  golden  crowii ; wel- 
come whenever  we  meet  Him.  He  is  gone  before  us 
to  prepare  a place  for  each  one  that  gives  Him  his 
heart  and  calls  Him  his  Saviour.  You  see,  neither 
your  book  nor  ycur  prophet  teaches  "these  truths. 

Mohammedan — You  do  not  mean  this  book  will 
give  me  life  and  all  that  you  say? 

Christian — Not  the  book  itself,  but  Christ  will  give 
you  all  these  and  more.  This  book  is  called  His 
Word.  If  you  read  it  and  ask  Him  to  help  you,  then 
you  will  see  His  blessings  upon  you. 

Mohammedan — Suppose  if  I believe  in  Him,  can 
He  make  me  a place  in  heaven? 

Christian— Not  only  for  you,  but  for  all  Mohamme- 
dans, and  other  nations.  Come,  leave  your  idle  hopes  ; 
let  us  call  you  our  Christian  brother. 

Mohammedan — Dear  me,  what  about  Mohammed? 
If  he  knows  I am  going  to  leave  him,  he  will  be  angry 
with  me.  Then  your  Christ  must  be  known  pretty 
well  in  heaven  ? 

Christian — You  heard  me  say  He  is  the  Son  of  God. 
Himself  and  His  Father  are  one,  and  in  one  will. 
Both  are  everywhere.  Without  their  will  nothing  is 
done  on  earth,  nor  above.  Therefore,  heaven  is  His 
throne,  earth  under  His  feet.  He  is  ruler  of  all  and 
in  all.  Also  very  strictly.  He  says : 'Tieaven  and 
earth  shall  pass  away,  but  my  words  shall  not  pass 
away.'’  If  you  will  accept  Him  as  your  Saviour,  He 
will  take  care  of  you  according  to  His  promise.  You 
don't  need  to  be  afraid  of  Mohammed  whatever. 

Mohammedan — I never  heard  these  teachings  be- 
fore. I always  thought  Mohammed  was  the  only  true 


72 


MOHAMMED,  THE  LAST  PROPHET. 


prophet.  But  now  I can  read  and  hear.  There  is  no 
name  under  the  heavens  to  forgive  our  sins,  only  Jesus. 

Christian — Will  you  obey  Him  and  be  one  of  His 
children  ? 

Mohammedan — I always  seek  the  right  religion.  I 
am  sure  I have  got  it  now.  Not  only  myself  will  ac- 
cept Him  as  my  Saviour,  but  I will  work  to  bring  my 
people  in  the  light  of  His  Gospel. 

Each  loving-hearted  Christian  has  to  think  what  is 
his  duty  to  his  fellow  men.  All  in  the  same  image,  and 
every  one  of  them  has  a soul.  But  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands have  never  heard  the  cheerful  message  of  the 
Gospel.  Many  are  eager  after  the  true  light.  I am 
sorry  to  say,  great  numbers  are  dead  and  dying  who 
never  heard  a word  to  comfort  their  souls ; are  mov- 
ing in  the  depths  of  the  dark  world,  have  ears  and 
eyes,  but  are  powerless  in  sight  and  hearing;  scat- 
tered in  all  directions,  guided  by  the  wrong  shepherd. 
How  happy  is  a shepherd  who  finds  his  lost  sheep. 
How  happy  Christ  will  be  whenever  one  of  these  lost 
souls  is  brought  into  His  kingdom.  It  will  be  done 
if  we  open  our  hearts  and  preach  the  unheard  Gospel 
unto  them.  We  must  pray  for  them,  and  move  toward 
their  land,  to  give  them  tidings  of  a new  humble 
shepherd.  If  the  Lord  has  not  called  us  to  His  for- 
eign field,  we  can  show  our  love  by  helping  the  oth- 
ers. Then  no  hand  can  write,  nor  no  tongue  can  speak 
the  blessings  to  those  who  send  the  news  of  the  Gos- 
pel abroad. 


